Manchester United 'send scouts' to watch wonderkid striker who smashed UEFA record this season

Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Gent striker Gift Orban as they plot a summer move, according to reports.

Orban rose to prominence earlier this season when he scored a 205-second hat-trick in a Europa Conference League tie against Istanbul Baseksehir - the fastest ever recorded in a UEFA competition.

The 20-year-old Nigeria international joined Gent from Norwegian second division club Stabaek in January - and has already more than made his mark.

The forward has scored 14 goals in just 13 Belgian Pro League matches, including another hat-trick in last Saturday's 4-1 win at Cercle Brugge.

Speaking in March, Gent head coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck stated that Orban was a 'guarantee of 20, 25 goals' across an entire season, and added: "Finishing is fun for him. Right, left, he doesn't care."

Now, United have expressed their interest in signing the striker by sending club scouts to watch him in action, a new report has claimed.

Man Utd watch Orban

According to the London Evening Standard, United have cast their eye over the 20-year-old, who has scored a goal every 75 minutes since joining Gent in January.

And Nieuwsblad (via Tribal Football) claim that scouts were in the stands to witness his latest remarkable display of goalscoring against Cercle Brugge.

However, it is added that Erik ten Hag's side could have competition to secure his signature, with Chelsea, Tottenham and Fulham also keen on agreeing a deal with the player.

Furthermore, Gent are said to be under no pressure to sell a player they signed for just £2.5 million five months ago, and it may take a substantial bid from a Premier League club.

Transfermarkt rates Orban's market value as €9 million, but it would take a significantly higher fee to sign the striker, who has a contract with his current club until the summer of 2027.

Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Europa Conference League, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.