Breel Embolo to Manchester United: Red Devils 'lead the race' for Basel's teenage forward

Manchester United are reportedly chasing the signature of Swiss wonderkid Breel Embolo. The 19-year-old forward had initially appeared set for a move from Basel to German club RasenBallsport Leipzig, but it now appears United have moved to the front of the queue for the sought-after star.

RasenBallsport Leipzig have a big budget with which to sign new players and have been actively pursuing some of the most well-regarded young players in Europe as they prepare for life in the Bundesliga next season. The club were apparently set to spend as much as €20m (£15.6m, $22.6m) and hand Embolo a €3m-a-year contract, according to the Leipziger Volkszeitung, a local newspaper.

But it has now been reported that United have gazumped their offer, offering the pacey and skillful youngster a €6m-a-year deal. United are now reportedly locked in negotiations with Basel to sign Embolo, who was born in Cameroon but plays for Switzerland.

The report comes shortly after United confirmed the capture of Eric Bailly from Villarreal, who became the first signing of the Jose Mourinho era. Meanwhile, United have also been strongly linked with a move for Sweden's record-breaking centre-forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

However, Ibrahimovic has been coy about his future of late, telling fans they will need to be patient before he announces his next destination. "There is no saying 'yes' or saying 'no' so you will have to have patience," he recently said, according to Sky Sports. "I want you to keep wondering where I will go, keep making stories because I enjoy when these stories go out. When I feel tired I will let you know what my next destination is."