Manchester United monitor 16-year-old Algerian starlet Mezian Mesloub

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in 16-year-old Lens midfielder Mezian Mesloub, with the Algerian-born teenager attracting attention from several major European clubs.

According to TEAMtalk, United’s scouting department has been closely monitoring Mesloub after his rapid emergence into the Lens first team.

The Portuguese-Algerian youngster has made an impression at senior level despite his age and is now being watched by a number of leading clubs across Europe.

Lens teenager making history

Mesloub has already made history at Lens by becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to feature in the Champions League.

He also played a key role in the closing stages of Lens’ 3-2 victory over Slavia Prague, contributing to the creation of two goals late in the match.

The teenager primarily operates as an attacking midfielder but can also play on the right wing.

His technical ability, dribbling, passing and contribution in the final third are understood to have attracted the attention of several European clubs.

Barcelona and Premier League rivals also watching

Manchester United are not alone in monitoring Mesloub’s progress.

Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly among the Premier League clubs following the teenager, while Spanish giants Barcelona, French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco have also been linked with an interest.

United’s reported interest comes as the club continues to assess its options in the market for emerging young players.

United monitoring options amid Gabriel situation

The club’s pursuit of Mesloub is reportedly separate from the situation involving young English talent Guy Gabriel.

United are still working to convince Gabriel to remain at the club, despite the player’s reported request to be deregistered from the team.

The situation has prompted the club to work on two fronts, attempting to retain Gabriel while also identifying alternative young talents.

Mesloub’s emergence at Lens has consequently placed the Algeria-linked teenager firmly on United’s scouting radar as his future continues to attract interest from across Europe.