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Man Utd handed replace on wonderkid, 16, with Chelsea and Man City

Manchester United have been handed an update in their pursuit of Burkina Faso wonderkid, Mohamed Zongo, 16, after his standout performances at the U17 World Cup

Manchester United have been handed an update in their pursuit of Mohamed Zongo.

United have been chasing the Burkina Faso wonderkid Zongo, 16, after he caught the eye of scouts last month starring for his country in their run to the quarter-finals of the U17 World Cup in Qatar.

During their run, Zongo scored against Germany and Czech Republic – but Burkina Faso were eventually stopped by Italy after a late goal in the last eight. According to the Daily Mail, United have been tracking him since the tournament.

A report from The Mail says Zongo is a “left-footed attacking midfielder. He is athletic, strong and a good all-rounder.

“Often, he was seen to break up play and quickly turn defence into attack with his reading of the game and intuitive passing. He can also play as a right winger cutting in onto his favoured left foot.”

However, they have learned they will face competition for his signature from Chelsea and City – who were also drawn to his performances in Qatar last month.

Chelsea have been keen to splash the cash on young talent under Todd Boehly ownership. And in that time, the likes of Estevao and Jorrel Hato have made their way to the first team.

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However, they have also utilised their sister club Strasbourg to develop talent by sending them out on loan to develop in France before bringing them back to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had spent £300 million on teenagers by the time Estevao arrived in summer such as Kendry Paez, Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto and Marc Guiu.

City also have a network of clubs where he could be loaned out tod develop further as a footballer.