Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd and ETH now 'leading the race' to sign gem Rooney called 'incredible'

Manchester United are interested in signing Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei, according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

Despite the turmoil on and off the pitch as Derby were relegated from the Championship last season, Ebiowei continued an impressive rise to stardom during 2021/22.

The 18-year-old England and Netherlands youth international, who had been on the books at Arsenal, West Ham and Rangers before settling in the East Midlands, has caught the attention of multiple Premier League clubs with his performances.

It now appears as though only two leading candidates remain to sign the talented young forward…

Taking to Twitter, Romano has confirmed that United and Crystal Palace are the frontrunners to land the teenage starlet.

The transfer expert stated: “Manchester United and Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign Derby County’s Malcolm Ebiowei, talented striker born in 2003. #MUFC AS Monaco asked for him too but he’s expected to stay in Premier League – Man Utd and Palace are leading the race. #CPFC”

Currently under the tutelage of Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney at Derby, Ebiowei – who was hailed for his ‘incredible’ attitude by the former United striker – scored once and provided two assists in 16 Championship outings last term.

Perhaps more impressively, the versatile teenager netted seven times and registered one assist in just seven Under-18 Premier League appearances before becoming a first-team regular at Pride Park.

It may be a transfer with a long-term outlook rather than an immediate impact, but should Rooney and newly-appointed Derby coach Steve McClaren give Erik ten Hag the thumbs-up on the youngster, then the United hierarchy must ensure that Ebiowei is Old Trafford-bound this