MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to battle Real Madrid for the signature of Rennes teenager Eduardo Camavinga.
But they also face competition from European heavyweights Barcelona and Juventus who are keen on the 17-year-old midfielder.
However, RMC Sport report that negotiations between the youngster and any potential buyers have not yet begun despite the widespread interest.
And Rennes are desperately hoping they are able to keep hold of their prodigy, who signed a new contract last summer to tie him down until 2022.
With the season currently suspended, Rennes sit third in Ligue 1 and are on course for a Champions League spot.
If Les Rennais do qualify, they plan to keep the talented Camavinga to be part of their campaign.
But they are also thinking that the chance for him to shine on the European stage would surely bolster interest in him and therefore Rennes would be able to demand a higher transfer fee from the likes of Real Madrid and United.
That figure could possibly as high as £52million because there is thought to be no release clause in Camavinga’s contract.
And that could well be crucial due to the unknown financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Failure to secure a Champions League place, though, could make holding on to their star youngster incredibly difficult for Rennes, especially with most of the interested parties not only offering elite European competition but likely to challenge for the trophy.
Standing at 6ft tall, Camavinga is a powerhouse and when deployed in a defensive midfield role understands his responsibilities in the team.
Playing like a player who belies his tender years, he works hard and tracks back, has exceptional positional sense in breaking up opposition attacks and looks for the sensible pass.
By the age of 16, Camavinga signed his first professional contract with the club – the youngest player in the club’s history to do so.
In April 2019, he made his debut – coming on as a late sub against Angers – and then he became the first player born after January 1, 2002 to start a game in Europe’s top five leagues, when he was named in the eleven against Monaco in May.
At the beginning of this season, he ensured he was the youngest player to record a Ligue 1 assist when he stole the show against Paris Saint-Germain and provided a sumptuous cross that was turned in by Romain Del Castillo in a shock 2-1 win for Rennes.
And his stock has continued to rise with the French youth international appearing in 36 games across all competitions this term.
Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane is said to be a huge fan of the teen with the player believed to be a top priority as the Spanish look to sign a defensive midfielder.
