Third parties held talks with representatives from
Old Trafford and Chelsea in London last week, with the Premier League
duo going head-to-head to sign the highly-rated youngster
By Adesanya OlusesanManchester United are leading Chelsea in the race to sign Anderlecht teenager Youri Tielemans.
We understands that third party discussions were held in London last week with representatives from both clubs over possible moves for Tielemans next summer.
The 18-year-old midfielder is already one of the most sought after youngsters in European football despite only leaving school last year.
He made his Champions League debut at the age of 16 and has already established himself as an important part of the Anderlecht side.
The central midfielder has been named the best young player in Belgium in the last two seasons and has impressed even more in the 2015-16 campaign.
Tielemans has scored three goals in seven appearances in the Belgian league this season and Anderlecht are expecting several offers next summer.
United have scouted Tielemans on a number of occasions and believe they are favourites for his signature as they look for a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick.
The 20-time league champions are keen on buying the best young talent in the world and have already signed the likes of Luke Shaw, Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial over the last two years.
Tielemans would fit into that policy and is keen to play in the Premier League despite interest from teams across Europe.
He speaks fluent English and Louis van Gaal's willingness to play young players would give United the edge over Chelsea, with sources close to the player indicating that playing time will be a key consideration in his decision.
Chelsea's habit of loaning out talented youngsters could work against them in their pursuit of Tielemans - the Blues having signed fellow countryman Romelu Lukaku from Anderlecht as an 18-year-old in 2011 only to sell him to Everton three years later after two temporary moves.
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