Manchester United 'scouting Russian youngster Sergey Pinyaev'

Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on the performances of Krylia Sovetov teenager Sergey Pinyaev.

The attacker became Russia's youngest ever player when he debuted for the national side against Tajikistan last month, featuring at the age of 18 years and 15 days.

Pinyaev has also turned out on 45 occasions for his current side, scoring eight goals and contributing eight assists in the process.

The majority of the forward's experience has come in the league, featuring on 39 occasions in the Premier Liga, which is the top tier of Russian football.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the 20-time English champions are keeping a close eye on the development of the Russian.

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The report claims that Pinayev has long been viewed as 'one of Russia's most exciting prospects', with a number of clubs believed to be monitoring his form.

The youngster is said to have had trials at Man United in the past, with the Red Devils likely to be at the head of the queue for his signature if he moves on in the near future.

KS Samara manager Igor Osinkin recently hinted that the 20-time English champions were interested in securing his signature.

"The fact that Manchester is watching him is controlled by his progress - which is good," Osinkin told sports.ru. "These are additional incentives for him. But we must honestly admit that much more work needs to be done to reach the level of such a club."

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Krylia Sovetov are in a relatively strong position when it comes to the youngster's future, meanwhile, as he has a contract at the club until June 2025, having signed an extension in June.

Man United are expected to be active during the January transfer window, having recently terminated the contract of Cristiano Ronaldo.

A new forward could therefore arrive in the winter market, while a right-back would also be targeted if Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves, with the Englishman seemingly not in the plans of head coach Erik ten Hag moving forward.

Man United have been in Spain over the last week for a mid-season training camp, losing both of their matches to La Liga opposition, going down 4-2 to Cadiz on Wednesday and 1-0 to Real Betis on Saturday.