Manchester United are among the clubs tracking Gambian winger Alieu Saine after the teenager impressed at the WAFU Zone A U-17 tournament.
The 16-year-old helped Gambia win the competition and finished as one of its joint top scorers, finding the net four times in five games. His performances have now caught the attention of several clubs across Europe.
Manchester United and Liverpool had scouts watching the tournament and are expected to continue monitoring Saine’s development, as revealed by Football Insider. Portuguese side Benfica and Spanish club Celta Vigo are also understood to be keeping a close eye on the youngster.
United step up interest in Gambian prospect
Saine’s form has helped his reputation grow quickly, with his performances for the Gambia U17 side now leading to opportunities at senior level. He was one of four players from the Under-17 squad recently invited to train with the national senior team.
Captain Omar Marong, Omar Badjie and Vanou Gomez were the other players selected for the training invitation.
Saine and Marong have both come through the TMT Football Academy in Gambia, and both are regarded as players with significant potential.
Both, Manchester United and Liverpool, continue to search for promising young players who can be developed into future first-team options. They have recently signed Issac Konde from Liverpool while earlier signing Karim Cassim.
United are now among the clubs keeping close tabs on Saine as competition for his signature begins to build. The teenager’s next steps will be important, particularly with several European sides already monitoring his progress.
