Manchester United\u2019s red-hot pursuit of Kennet Eichhorn has taken a sharp twist after a bitter rival stormed into the race for the Hertha Berlin wonderkid, according to a new report.<\/p>\n
Toni Kroos Regen<\/p>\n
Despite only turning 16 last summer, Eichhorn\u2019s reputation in Germany is already skyrocketing after breaking into Hertha\u2019s first team this season. The youngster has proven that age is just a number, however, as he has consistently produced excellent displays, demonstrating a maturity in and out of possession which has even drawn comparisons to Toni Kroos.<\/p>\n
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Described as an \u201call-action midfielder\u201d, the 6\u20191 technician already possesses the well-rounded skill set modern football demands in the engine room, capable of dropping deep to dictate play or roaming forward to create havoc in the opposition half.<\/p>\n
His contract at the Olympiastadion contains a release clause worth between \u20ac10-12 million (\u00a38.75-10.5m).<\/p>\n
A host of teams inside and outside of the Bundesliga have taken notice of this meteoric rise, with Real Madrid understood to be a frontrunner after their scouts delivered glowing reports on the potential heir to Kroos.<\/p>\n
Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt are also keeping close tabs, while FC Barcelona will always find a home for a technically gifted midfield maestro in their ranks.<\/p>\n
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However, a report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed United are also hot on the Germany under-17 international\u2019s tail. The Red Devils have established firm interest with a view towards \u201clining up\u201d a summer swoop, such is INEOS\u2019 desire to add him to their ranks.<\/p>\n
The club\u2019s hierarchy have prioritised the capture of the best young talent from right across the globe since taking the helm at Old Trafford. Chido Obi<\/a> and Ayden Heaven \u2013 two of Arsenal\u2019s brightest prospects \u2013 were signed, while further afield raids for Diego Leon<\/a> from Paraguay and Malian starlet Sekou Kone<\/a> were also launched.<\/p>\n But Eichhorn may just be the most talented of the bunch \u2013 a fact the blue half of Manchester now appears to have recognised as well.<\/p>\n City enter the fray<\/p>\n Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reveals City have now joined the race for Eichhorn\u2019s signature, raising the potential of a transfer war erupting between the two bitter rivals.<\/p>\n Tweet: \u201cEXCL: Manchester City join the race with Bundesliga and Premier League clubs for German gem Kennet Eichhorn. 16 year old talent seen as interesting profile with Man City, one more PL club and Bundesliga giants on it. One to watch in next months.\u201d<\/p>\n Interestingly, Romano mentions another English side are also in the mix, undoubtedly referring to United<\/a> \u2013 with a growing queue meaning Eichhorn is \u201cone to watch\u201d as the summer transfer window fast approaches.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Final Thoughts<\/p>\n It is rare for a 16-year-old to garner such widespread attention from Europe\u2019s elite \u2013 but Eichhorn is continuing to showcase a unique skill set that elevates him beyond a normal youngster.<\/p>\n United\u2019s hierarchy will have to move quickly and decisively to convince the German starlet the next step of what looks to be a brilliant career comes in the red half of Manchester, or risk missing out on another target to their noisy neighbours.<\/p>\n Featured image Christian Kaspar-Bartke via Getty Images<\/p>\n