Manchester United are reportedly poised to edge Liverpool and other Premier League clubs in race to sign 14-year-old Norwegian prodigy Isak Hansen-Aaroen.
The Sun are claiming that Manchester United are poised to welcome another young prospect. 14-year-old Norwegian prodigy Isak Hansen-Aaroen, who has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Everton as well, is set to move from Tromso to the Premier League, with Old Trafford the likeliest destination.
@samuelluckhurst @MENCKelly Looks like United is signing a 14 year old Norwegian ( And it’s not Holm who you ( MEN ) wrote about. His name is Isak Hansen-Aarøen. It looks like they won the battle for his signature over Liverpool and Everton. https://t.co/8ZVhMOroif
— Ronny S (@RonnyS0L) October 11, 2018
Isak Hansen-Aaoren has had trials at Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United. The 14-year-old is currently earning rave reviews for his performances at hometown club Tromso, with his displays sparking interest from the Premier League trio.
Liverpool are having to scour different European regions to recruit talented youngsters to their different age groups after having been handed a hefty domestic youth recruitment ban for illegally approaching a youth footballer. The Reds have already recruited a few players from other regions, with Dal Varesanovic, Patrik Raitanen and Vitezslav Jaros all a part of their academy setup now.
Everton have also stepped up their youth recruitment in the recent times in a bid to strengthen their production line. The Toffees were among the three clubs named to have taken Hansen-Aaroen on trial and would be hopeful of fighting Manchester United and Liverpool for the 14-year-old Tromso star.
But, Manchester United are supposedly leading the race for Hansen-Aaroen. United Head of Youth Recruitment David Harrison held talks with Tromso over a potential transfer for the player, which will go through when the prodigy turns 16. Tromso Sporting Director Svein-Morten Johansen confirmed the talks with United.
“We have had very positive discussions with Manchester United. Of course there is a long way to go, but we are working well with Isak’s family about an agreement. We are positive that this will be good for all parties.”
“In the first instance we are looking at some kind of cooperation agreement, where the goal is to develop the player so that he may end up going over and playing for them. Isak has always been a good player, and he is a sensible lad. He is good for his age, and although there is a long way to go he has every reason to succeed.”
As Johansen said, there is still a long way before any deal is done for Hansen-Aaoren. But, Manchester United have taken the first decisive step towards landing the 14-year-old. Liverpool and Everton have to make some ground.
