Man Utd delivered bad transfer news by Man City and Brighton

Manchester United could face a battle to sign Lucas Bergvall with reports suggesting both Manchester City and Brighton have registered interest in the young midfielder.

Erik ten Hag's side have been linked with a move for Bergvall in the past, with the Dutchman keen to bolster his midfield options and lower the age profile in that area. United signed Mason Mount in the hope he could bring energy to the team and future arrivals will be scouted on the same brief.

At just 17-years-old, Bergvall fits the bill and is already a regular feature at Swedish side Djurgardens, with two goals and an assist in 25 league appearances - he has also made his debut for the Swedish national team. But any move for the teenager will see United made to fight their case, with talkSPORT reporting that both City and Brighton have him on their radar.

Both are currently scouting Bergvall while exploring the possibility of a summer move, and Brighton in particular are hopeful their proven pathway for young talent can give them an edge over competitors. Clubs across Europe are also in the race, namely Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona. The latter have already expressed their interest, with Djurgardens sporting director Bo Andersson admitting in December that the La Liga side had made contact.

"Yes, I can confirm that we have been in contact and in dialogue with Barcelona," he told Fotbollskanalen. "But it's not a negotiation yet. There was some contact with Barcelona last week but this week we haven't spoken to them."

But United have a previous relationship with the midfielder, who is said to be a boyhood fan of the club. Reports earlier this month suggested that he trained with the Reds as a 14-year-old and talks are set to begin soon as they look to get ahead of the chasing pack.

The race for Bergvall will certainly heat up closer to summer, at which point it is likely a decision will be made on the teenager's future. It will be the first window under the control of Sir Jim Ratcliffe at United and an early test of his transfer credentials.