Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to go head-to-head for the signature of Leicester City teenager Jake Evans during this summer’s transfer window.
The 16-year-old has played twice in the Premier League in recent weeks, featuring off the bench against Brighton & Hove Albion on April 12 before appearing as a substitute against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
The right-sided attacker has an excellent record of nine goals and two assists in the Under-18s Premier League, and it is understood that he is on the radar of a number of major clubs.
According to Fichajes, Man United and Tottenham are keen on Evans, and both are believed to be prepared to offer in the region of £13m during this summer’s transfer window.`
The report claims that Leicester are working to keep hold of Evans, but the club accept that he may leave due to the interest that is being generated in his services ahead of the upcoming market.
Man United, Spurs ‘battling’ for Leicester teenager Evans
Evans is capable of operating in a number of different positions in the final third of the field, but it is thought that he could eventually develop into a central striker once he establishes himself in professional football.
Man United are no longer looking to bring in established players for huge transfer fees and are instead looking at youngsters, with the Red Devils very much building a team for the future.
The same can also be said for Tottenham, with immediate pain being suffered, but there is hope that the talented youngsters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be able to help lead the team to success.
Man United and Spurs could also be about to lock horns in the final of the Europa League, with both sides in excellent spots to reach the showpiece event ahead of the second legs of their semi-finals.
Indeed, Man United have a 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao, while Spurs recorded a 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their last-four tie, so the two English teams are the heavy favourites to advance to the final.
What is best for Evans’ career? Leicester or elsewhere?
Evans will be 17 next month, and he is entering a vital period of his career.
Moving to a major club at this stage of his development would be a risk, as he could find it difficult to secure regular action, and Leicester seemingly have huge plans for him heading into the 2025-26 Championship campaign.
A season playing semi-regularly in the second tier of English football could be incredibly beneficial for his career, but the lure of the Premier League is great, and it will be fascinating to see what happens with the talented attacker this summer.