Manchester United, RB Leipzig 'in talks for Croatian starlet Dino Klapija'

Manchester United and RB Leipzig are reportedly going head-to-head for the services of 16-year-old Croatian starlet Dino Klapija.

The striker was born in the United States and plied his trade in the New York City FC academy before making the move to Dinamo Zagreb in March.

Klapija left Dinamo Zagreb after a few months to join Kustosija, where he is yet to make his first-team breakthrough, but he has earned plaudits for his showings at youth level.

The 2007-born teenager also made his debut for Croatia's Under-17 team last December, playing 41 minutes of a 2-0 friendly over Montenegro, although he is still eligible to represent the USA at senior level.

Klapija is under contract with Kustosija until January 2026, but according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Croatian attacker will depart the club in the near future.

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Romano states that both Man United and RB Leipzig are in direct negotiations over a deal for Klapija, who is expected to make a decision on his future imminently.

While both sides could try to wrap up a deal for Klapija this time around, the teenager could remain with Kustosija on loan before joining up with his new teammates in January.

Man United have already reinforced their attacking ranks this summer with the signing of Rasmus Hojlund, having been priced out of moves for Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo Muani.

However, the former Atalanta BC man is yet to make his competitive debut for the Red Devils due to a back injury, which has seen Marcus Rashford lead the line for fixtures against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite his prolific campaign last year, Rashford has got off to an underwhelming start through the middle this season, and the same can be said for the likes of Antony and Alejandro Garnacho out wide.

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The Red Devils had to rely on a Raphael Varane header to see off a spirited Wolves side on the opening weekend, before suffering a deserved 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham last weekend.

Ten Hag also has Anthony Martial in his attacking ranks, but the Frenchman - who was bedevilled by injuries last term - is in the final year of his contract and should be allowed to depart for the right price.

In addition to Hojlund, Man United have brought in Andre Onana and Mason Mount for the 2023-24 season, although the latter is now set to miss up to six weeks with a thigh injury.

A new goalkeeper, defender and midfielder could still be sought before the window slams shut on September 1, and the Red Devils are alleged to be closing in on a deal for Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo.

Erik ten Hag's team continue their Premier League campaign at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday before a trip to Arsenal on September 3.