Man Utd chiefs initiate contact with Austrian wonderkid earmarked by Ralf Rangnick

Manchester United are among a group of top teams tracking RB Salzburg teenager Oghenetejiri Adejenughure. The striker found the net for fun at youth level last season and took that scoring form with him to the Under-17 European Championship, where he scored four goals in four games for Austria.

Express Sport has learned that the manager of the senior Austrian national team, Ralf Rangnick, has already earmarked Adejenughure as a player capable of forging a path into his plans.

Salzburg is a proven breeding ground for young talent, and Adejenughure would be given the opportunity to play for their reserve team – FC Liefering – in Austria’s second division if he decides to stick around for next season.

The likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Karim Adeyemi and Dayot Upamecano trod the same path, and all three are now playing for top sides in Europe. Adejenughure is happy in Salzburg but a head-turning offer could see him move this summer, providing the player and his camp feel it would benefit his development.

Express Sport understands that United have held talks with the 17-year-old’s entourage to discuss the possibility of a future switch. Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan are also interested as the goals pile up, with Adejenughure notching 16 times in 20 games at Under-18 level last season.

The prolific forward represents Austria’s youth teams and could quickly make his way up to Rangnick’s fully-fledged side if his rate of development continues.

United already have a hungry, young striker in Rasmus Hojlund but Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen to bring in new blood up front, having been kept on at Old Trafford by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee is believed to be high on Ten Hag’s list.

Were he to sign for the Red Devils either this summer or next, Adejenughure would likely have to battle his way into the manager’s first-team plans, much like fellow teenagers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have done during his tenure.

Before securing a new striker, United are pressing on in their search for reinforcements in central defence. The Red Devils have reportedly agreed personal terms with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, paving the way for a big-money move.

The Toffees are demanding £80million for the 21-year-old, but they could be forced to lower their price as the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) deadline at the end of the month closes in.