- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Newcastle United and Manchester United are interested in signing midfield starlet Yahya Idrissi from Chelsea.
Both Premier League clubs are keen to strike a deal for the 16-year-old schoolboy who is seen as a huge talent at Cobham having already featured for their Under-18s side.
Chelsea have begun contract talks as they attempt to tie Idrissi down to his first professional deal.
Idrissi – who represents Morocco internationally – has also received interest from elsewhere with several foreign sides showing an interest in his signature.
However, HITC understands that the main threat to Chelsea comes from domestic sides.
Chelsea remain hopeful that Idrissi still sees his future with the London club but HITC understands that both Manchester United and Newcastle are pushing hard to land him.
Newcastle United and Manchester United offer exciting projects
Two clubs still reeling in the excitement of new ownership, Newcastle and Manchester United are both busy planning for the future.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken publicly about his plan to invest in youth, with the British billionaire telling the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast he “would rather sign the next Mbappe rather than spend a fortune buying success”.
Similarly, Newcastle’s owners have already proved that they have one eye on the club’s future with deals for young stars such as Lewis Hall and Garang Kuol.
Yahya Idrissi spotted with ex-Manchester United star Paul Pogba
Amid Manchester United’s interest in Idrissi, the 16-year-old was recently pictured alongside former Red Devils midfielder Paul Pogba.
As per thesecretscout1’s Instagram page, Idrissi linked up with Pogba during his off-season training programme.
Pogba last played for Manchester United in 2022 before leaving to rejoin Italian giants Juventus.
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