Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan may be out of Manchester United's grasp just as the race for one of Europe's most in-demand youngsters heats up.

The Red Devils have been one of the major forces routinely linked with Norway's next big thing - hailed as 'the next Martin Odegaard - for more than a year. United successfully lured highly coveted prospect Leny Yoro to Old Trafford last summer despite interest from just about every other European superpower - but the chances of repeating that feat with Nypan appear slim.

That's after Norwegian broadcaster TV2 reported Ruben Amorim's side are no longer among the candidates to sign the 18-year-old, who is supposedly valued at £11million. Nypan's team of representatives, led by agent Rafaela Pimenta, are understood to already be engaged in talks with several clubs, with Odegaard's Arsenal and Manchester City understood to be interested.

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The forward is available to leave this month considering Norway's Eliteserien is currently in its off-season, with a new campaign set to kick off on March 1. Nypan - who was part of the Rosenborg side that beat United 1-0 in pre-season - has a contract that's due to expire in 2026, meaning his current club is running out of time to secure an optimal fee for their prospect.

The teenager scored eight goals and recorded 10 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions last season despite playing largely from central midfield. And although Nypan has expressed his love of United in the past, it seems the club's fall from grace and struggles to maintain a place in the Champions League may be coming back to bite them.

"I've always been a Manchester United fan," he told TV2 in 2023. "Then of course there is Real Madrid. I'm a big [Cristiano] Ronaldo fan. It's very unrealistic, but it's the dream."

A lack of Champions League football wasn't enough to dissuade Yoro, who was 18 when he signed from Lille in the summer. Real Madrid were the other key contender alleged to be in the hunt for the centre-back, who cited United's history as a key component in his decision to join.

But after an all-time worst Premier League finish last term, things have only got worst for United, who are currently 12th in the table. And that may mean they have to watch as Nypan potentially joins a direct rival despite the fact he supports the club.

United may have use for a player of his specifications as well, with Christian Eriksen looking likely to leave in the summer and Mason Mount struggling to stay fit. However, the same heroics that saw Yoro pick Old Trafford above other glitzy destinations may not work a second time in Nypan's case.

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