Man Utd target pictured in Manchester as 'generational' star nears blockbuster transfer

Manchester United have been heavily linked with Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan over the past year – but the Norwegian wonderkid looks set to join a Premier League rival. Reports in September claimed United had been so impressed with Nypan's early development that they were prepared to fast-track a January kick-off.

However, it appears other English heavyweights are ahead of the Red Devils in the race to secure the 18-year-old's highly-touted services.

On Saturday, Nypan was pictured at the Etihad Stadium watching Manchester City's 3-1 win over Chelsea in the Premier League.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Rosenborg starlet arrived in Manchester on Friday and traveled to City, where the club presented their project.

Nypan's potential move to the Premier League champions could include an initial loan move to La Liga side Girona, one of City's sister clubs.

However, The Athletic claims that Arsenal are also pushing for his signature and that dialogue between the parties is progressing.

The Norwegian youth international has already made 60 senior appearances, recording 13 goals and 11 assists, and helped Rosenborg finish fourth in the Eliteserien table last season.

United got a taste of what they could get when Nypan shone in Rosenborg's 1-0 pre-season win last summer.

His teammates further fueled the transfer fire by gifting the versatile star with a United 2025 calendar during a Secret Santa video on Rosenborg's YouTube channel last month.

“It would obviously be a dream come true to play for Manchester United,” Nypan previously told the United Norway podcast.

“I'm aware that United have shown some interest, but I'm adamant that I don't want to open that door just yet. I want to focus on Rosenborg and not think too far ahead.”

An experienced Norwegian scout has described Nypan as the country's next elite talent after Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland.

They told Mail Sport: “Nypan is a true generational talent. If he continues playing like this it is very likely he will move on within a year.”

Links between United and Nypan reached their peak during the reign of Erik ten Hag, so the Dutchman's departure may have sparked a change in recruitment plans.

Ruben Amorim's style of play differs from that of Ten Hag and would be one of the main reasons if Alejandro Garnacho leaves Old Trafford for Chelsea before the January transfer deadline.

Nypan may not fit in with United's new approach, and he looks set to join one of his high-profile compatriots, Odegaard or Haaland, at Arsenal or City.