Manchester United are reportedly keeping close tabs on 15-year-old Valerenga prodigy Gabriel Rajkovic as a potential successor to JJ Gabriel. The Norwegian hotshot is turning heads in Europe after a staggering rise with the five-time champions.
The Red Devils are reeling after one of their prized academy assets, Gabriel, 15, made it abundantly clear that he wants to leave United with immediate effect. His aspirations would see him become a free agent and secure a move elsewhere, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both expressing interest. Chelsea is said to be his preferred destination should he opt to stay in England.
Scout dispatched to Oslo
According to The Sun via the Mirror, United are eyeing a swoop for Valerenga forward Rajkovic, who is turning heads amongst Europe's elite clubs. United dispatched a scout to Oslo to run the rule over Rajkovic during his side's clash against Fredrikstad on Sunday, with the Red Devils believed to be firmly in the running for his signature, alongside Barcelona and several other top European outfits.
Rajkovic, who made his senior bow as a 14-year-old back in January, has clocked up 14 appearances for Valerenga in the Eliteserien this season, netting twice and contributing one assist. He found the net for the first time in a Valerenga shirt during a 2-1 loss to Bodo/Glimt last month, becoming Norway's second-youngest top-flight goalscorer at just 15 years and 166 days old - merely 15 days behind record-holder Martin Odegaard.
Contract and transfer situation
Shortly afterwards, he grabbed his second strike in a 2-2 stalemate with Sarpsborg. Gabriel's situation has dominated news cycles, with the youngster having been set to feature in the Carabao Cup squad to face Brighton last Wednesday. While United remain confident the situation can be resolved, given Gabriel still has time remaining on his contract, the club are casting their net wide for a potential replacement should he depart.
Rajkovic operates as a left-footed right winger, although he's versatile enough to feature centrally and on the left flank. While his left foot is dominant, he's proficient with both feet and can play across the entire forward line.
Norwegian media reports have suggested he could command a fee as high as £16million upon departure. That would shatter their existing transfer record, although Rajkovic cannot move overseas until he turns 16 in February 2027 at the earliest.
However, Rajkovic is believed to be in no hurry to depart Valerenga, having rejected opportunities to train at prominent European clubs. Unlike JJ Gabriel, Rajkovic remains under contract at the Oslo outfit until December 2028.
