Manchester United and European rivals tracking 16-year-old RC Lens prospect Mezian Mesloub

Manchester United are monitoring RC Lens teenager Mezian Soares Mesloub as they continue to identify young players who could support the club’s long-term plans.

According to TEAMtalk, the English club are following the progress of the promising midfielder as their recruitment department assesses several options for its development system. Their interest comes as JJ Gabriel prepares to leave Manchester United.

Mesloub has also attracted attention from several other major European clubs. Arsenal and Chelsea are understood to have watched the 16-year-old, while Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco are interested in the possibility of keeping him in France.

Both French clubs could consider making a move in the coming years, with an approach potentially planned from 2027 onwards.

However, Mesloub’s age presents a significant obstacle to any immediate move to England. The player, who has Algerian heritage, will not turn 18 until the end of 2027.

FIFA regulations governing the international transfer of minors therefore make a move to an English club before 2028 extremely difficult, unless a regulatory exception applies. That restriction could encourage French clubs to act sooner in an effort to secure the Lens youngster’s future.

Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig are also reported to have made enquiries about Mesloub recently. Transfermarkt values him at 500,000 euros, underlining the level of interest already surrounding a player who has attracted attention well beyond France.

Lens are due to play Lyon in their sixth match of the French championship.