Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd in talks to sign wonderkid striker Dino Klapija

Manchester United are in talks to sign striker Dino Klapija from Croatian side Kustosija, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 16-year-old, who was born in New York and has represented the United States at U15 and U16 level, moved to Croatia with his parents and signed for Dinamo Zagreb.

He now represents Kustosija, who play in the second tier of the Croatian football pyramid.

He is yet to make his senior debut for the club, but has played for the U17 side and trained with the first team on occasion.

Now, Romano claims that both United and German side RB Leipzig are chasing his signature.

Man Utd 'interested in signing Dino Klapija'

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed: "Understand Manchester United and RB Leipzig are both negotiating to sign top talent Dino Klapija - also an option to close the deal now for January.

"Decision on player side expected soon as 2007 born striker will leave Croatian side Kustosija soon."

Understand Manchester United and RB Leipzig are both negotiating to sign top talent Dino Klapija — also an option to close the deal now for January 🔴✨

Decision on player side expected soon as 2007 born striker will leave Croatian side Kustosija soon. pic.twitter.com/qd0Y4Shfut

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2023

As Klapija is 16, however, it appears to be highly unlikely that he would be able to join the club before he turns 18.

As per FIFA regulations, international transfers of U18 players are outlawed except in a limited number of exemptions.

In Europe, transfers can be completed if clubs 'guarantee the highest national standards of education and child welfare', but the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union and, as such, does not qualify for this exemption.

New immigration rules enforced by the Home Office, and introduced this summer, do give some leeway and open up the exemptions further, according to employment law specialist Joe McMorrow, but it is still unclear as to whether this will have any impact on transfers involving UK clubs.

United boss Erik ten Hag has already handed opportunities to a number of young players, including Kobbie Mainoo, Alvaro Fernandez and Alejandro Garnacho.

Mainoo and Garnacho have both played competitively in United's first team, while Fernandez impressed last season on loan at Championship side Preston North End.

According to reports, La Liga side Granada are in talks over a potential loan-to-buy deal for the Spanish left-back.