Sources: Man United and Liverpool closely scouting Alieu Saine
Manchester United and Liverpool are among several top European clubs closely tracking Gambian teenage sensation Alieu Saine, sources have told Football Insider.
The 16-year-old winger caught the eye of a host of European sides following his exploits at the recent WAFU Zone A U-17 tournament, where he helped Gambia's U17 national team win the competition.
United and Liverpool both had scouts in attendance watching top young talents at the tournament, and they are set to continue to keep tabs on Saine.
Sources say that Portuguese side Benfica and La Liga outfit Celta Vigo are also admirers of Saine and are making regular checks on his progress.
United and Liverpool are both active in trying to improve their youth ranks with the world's best talents, and they see Saine as a potential star in the making.
Saine finished as joint top goalscorer at the tournament with four goals in five games, and his overall performances have alerted his European suitors to his undoubted potential.
Alieu Saine already training with senior squad
Saine's performances for the Gambia U17 team are starting to grow his reputation, and his country are already prepared to fast-track him to the top.
The skilful attacker was one of four players from the U17 squad who were recently invited to train with the Gambian senior team, alongside captain Omar Marong, Omar Badjie and Vanou Gomez.
Both Saine and Marong have progressed through the ranks at TMT Football Academy in Gambia, and both players are tipped for big futures in the game.
The West African country is quickly becoming a hotbed for emerging talent, and Saine could potentially become another starlet to later establish himself in Europe.
United and Liverpool are now locked in a battle to secure his long-term future, and are both keen to handle the next stage of his development.
Man United 'cannot afford' Michael Carrick sack
Football Insider revealed on Monday that United are aware that they "cannot afford" the upheaval of sacking manager Michael Carrick right ow.
The Red Devils are onto their seventh permanent manager in the 13 years since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, and desperately need some long-term stability.
Sources say that the club hierarchy are prepared to give Carrick "as much time as possible," and have no plans to show him the door any time soon.
The Old Trafford outfit have won just one of their opening five Premier League games this season, but have no intention of making a change in the dugout.