Chelsea and Manchester United are following Tromso defensive prospect Sedi Kinteh.
The rapid left-sided centre back has attracted attention from a number of scouts from elite clubs across Europe after an impressive debut season in Norway.
The Gambia international, who turned 19 in November, moved there from an academy in Senegal called Mawade Wade, which has an alliance with Tromso. The Norwegian side offered him a trial at first and he was so good they gave him a five-year contract.
Chelsea and United have strong links in Norway and are weighing up an approach for the summer.
However, with word spreading of their interest, Swiss sides Basel and Young Boys are considering whether to gamble and bid now.
The transfer window in Switzerland remains open until next week on February 16.
Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring 19-year-old defender Sedi Kinteh (left)
Tromso are looking for around £4million and the Swiss clubs see potential to buy now and make a decent profit on Kinteh, who can also play left back, and has clocked speeds nudging 37km/h in games – taking him to the same level as Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, the quickest player in the Premier League.
Chelsea and United are both looking to strengthen options in defence in the summer. Chelsea missed out to Liverpool on Rennes’ centre back Jeremy Jacquet and have discussed others also.
United’s priority is midfield with where they finish in the Premier League playing a big part in who they can target.
They are evaluating young defenders too, however, and Kinteh could fall within budget should Tromso manage to hold onto him until summer.
