Manchester United are in danger of missing out on Roony Bardghji with Chelsea reportedly forging ahead in the transfer race. Prospective Red Devils part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is rumoured to be keen on the teenager, who has been scouted by a range of top European clubs.
Widespread interest comes with the territory when you reach double figures across all competitions before the New Year. The fact that Bardghji is only a month beyond his 18th birthday makes it all the more impressive, and Copenhagen may have a job keeping him under wraps.
Kuwait-born Bardghji put his name on the map by scoring the winner in a 4-3 Champions League victory over United last month. Erik ten Hag’s side failed to make it out of Group A – a crushing blow which is expected to limit their financial manoeuvrability in the transfer market.
United are reportedly among a host of top sides to have cast their eye over Bardghji alongside the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Juventus.
Sir Jim is also believed to be a fan, and though his interest reportedly surrounds organising a coup for OGC Nice – the French club owned by INEOS – his priorities may switch to the Red Devils once his 25 per cent buy-in is signed off.
Chelsea are on course to wreck United’s pursuit of Bardghji, however, by luring in the teenager for themselves. Danish news outlet BT claim that Copenhagen are fully focused on maximising their income from a sale next summer.
It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag is given the same kind of backing in the winter window. The Dutchman is fancied for the sack by bookmakers and only a fraction of his big-money signings have settled in well at Old Trafford.
United finishing rock bottom of their Champions League group saw them crash out of European competition altogether this season. By contrast, Bardghji’s heroics helped Copenhagen to a miraculous second-place finish and a spot in the knockout rounds.
