Liverpool and Manchester United battling for 16-year-old Celta Vigo starlet

David Lynch

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:47 CDT
• 2 min read

Liverpool are battling Manchester United for the signing of Celta Vigo starlet Stefan Bajcetic.

FootballTransfers understands The Reds are engaged in negotiations for the 16-year-old central defender, who has risen to prominence with his performances for the Spanish club’s youth sides.

The son of former Celta midfielder Srdan Bajcetic, Stefan has spent seven years in the Vigo outfit’s academy.

However, he looks set to leave in the coming days with English football’s two biggest clubs battling it out for his signature ahead of January.

READ MORE:

• How Haaland has helped move Kane up Man Utd and Chelsea’s shopping list

With new post-Brexit rules on transfers set to come into force at the turn of the year, Liverpool and Manchester United would have to finalise a deal before then.

Ole Gunnar Solkjaer’s side were initially thought to be favourites to secure the teenager’s signature but now face late competition from the Premier League champions.

With Bajcetic yet to make a senior appearance, he would not be considered a solution to Liverpool’s centre-half injury crisis.

Instead, he would take his first steps with the club’s academy teams in the hopes of progressing to the first team further down the line.