According to Aftonbladet, Liverpool are pursuing IFK Norrkoping talent Isak Bergmann Johannesson – but face competition from Manchester United.
It’s claimed that United sent scouts to watch Johannesson in action against Varberg earlier this month, before Liverpool and Juventus watched him against AIK on Monday.
The report notes that Norrkoping could sell the 17-year-old in January in search of a big offer, but aren’t desperate for cash, so could wait for the right bid.
Johannesson predominantly plays as a winger on either flank, but can also be used as a playmaker, and has a staggering 10 assists and four goals in just 26 games for Norrkoping despite his youth.
The teenager was born in England, as he is the son of former Leicester City and Burnley midfielder Joey Gudjonsson, whilst his grandfather Gudjon Thordarson had spells at Stoke City, Barnsley, Notts County and Crewe Alexandra.
That may make a move back to England appealing to the teenager, who finds himself a wanted man ahead of the January window.
Norrkoping’s chief scout Stig Torbjornsen has now claimed that the interest in Johannesson is ‘completely wild’, and he has ‘never seen anything like it’.
Torbjornsen added that big clubs are starting to latch on to other clubs who want the teenager, and claims direct contact has already been made about a deal by some of the clubs mentioned, meaning Liverpool may well have already made their move.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Torbjornsen. “The interest is completely wild. It is such a struggle for the young talents. You notice this with all the calls and inquiries you receive. When there is a hype around a player, the others want to hook on.”
“Yes, it is the category of clubs that are interested. You notice that many are interested because they make direct contact with us,” he added when asked about United, Liverpool and Juve.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
