Rafik Zekhnini (left) in action for Norway at youth level (twitter.com/Zekhnini98)
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Manchester United have tabled a £2m bid for Odds BK winger Rafik Zekhnini, according to reports.
According to reports in Norway, United have made an opening offer for the player who excelled in the Europa League against Borussia Dortmund last Thursday.
The teenager played a key role in Odds going into a 3-0 lead after 22 minutes before visitors Dortmund won the Europa League play-off first leg 4-3.
After the match, Dortmund captain, and United target Mats Hummels spoke of his shock at how good the player was for his age.
Yesterday, in an interview with the same local paper, TA, Zekhnini said that he "dreams" of playing for United.
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"My dream is to play for Manchester United," he said. "It has always been my favourite club. But you never know if there will be an offer."
Wayne Rooney has admitted that despite the pull of United to prospective players, Champions League football is vital to attract the very best.
United have missed out on a couple of high-profile targets this summer, including Sergio Ramos and Pedro. With the club looking short of options, particularly in attack, there are concerns about the club's transfer policy. The United captain's view may offer a clue as to where those problems lie.
Manchester United are currently unable to guarantee Champions League football to potential signings. Having ended last season in fourth place, Louis van Gaal's side are currently involved in a two-leg play-off with Club Brugge. Having won the first game 3-1, qualification for the group stage looks highly likely, but won't be confirmed until after the second leg on Wednesday.
"United are a massive club, but it depends on the player,” Rooney is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.
“When I joined, I said I wanted to join a club playing Champions League football.
“Obviously United still have a big pull in terms of the best players, but they will want to play Champions League football so it is important we qualify.”
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