Liverpool and Man Utd move for 'wonderkid' hijacked by European giants despite 'discussions' on transfer

Liverpool and Manchester United face a third rival in the chase for 16-year-old Aboubacar Maiga, according to reports.

Liverpool and Man Utd are understood to have held talks to sign the Malian teenager, who has caught the eye while playing at the Academie Africa Foot.

The attacking midfielder has also attracted interest from Barcelona but it's another European football giant who have apparently stolen a march on their rivals.

Back-to-back Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are now favourites to sign Maiga, according to TEAMtalk.

"The 16-year-old attacking sensation is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in African football and has been attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs for well over a year," reports Graeme Bailey.

"Nicknamed the ‘Malian Messi’ by those who have watched him rise through the ranks, Maiga has been making waves at Academie Africa Foot, one of the continent’s most respected talent production lines.

"The French champions have accelerated their efforts in recent weeks, and Maiga is currently spending time in France as the club intensify their assessment of the teenager.

"Sources indicate PSG’s project has made a strong impression on both the player and those around him, with the Paris club increasingly confident they can beat a host of European rivals to his signature.

"Liverpool, Man Utd and Barcelona remain attentive to developments, but unless there is a significant change in the coming weeks, the Ligue 1 giants appear best placed to land one of African football’s most exciting young prospects."

Mali under-16 captain Maiga has the attention of the football scouting world, with several other Premier League clubs and the Red Bull multi-club organisation understood to be tracking the teenager.

Competition from PSG seems certain to end their hopes.

Maiga is the jewel in the crown for Academie Africa Foot

Academie Africa Foot is based in the Malian city of Bamako and is focused on developing young players through the academy, which was formed as part of Africa Foot six years ago.

The academy section has a partnership with Barcelona, whose methodology it has adopted.

It prioritises training but combines it with education and language studies in particular.