Manchester United send scouts to watch Olympiacos wonderkid

Manchester United’s recruitment under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ruben Amorim has been trying to find a balance between instant impact and longevity, targeting talented, younger stars.

However, United have also put more focus on emerging talent, with the club keen to build a core that can grow together rather than leaning on stop-gap solutions.

From long-term midfield targets such as Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba to continental options monitored across Europe, United’s scouts have been busy reshaping the engine room for the next era at Old Trafford.

Now, it’s understood that Christos Mouzakitis is the latest name to move towards the top of that list.

The Olympiacos midfielder has emerged as one of the brightest talents in Greece, stepping up from the club’s academy ranks.

Already, Mouzakitis has become a key part of their first-team plans while also breaking into the senior national side before turning 19.

His blend of composure, press resistance and vision between the lines has quickly attracted attention across the continent.

Those performances have not gone unnoticed at Carrington.

Greek outlet Sportal reports that United have formed an “excellent opinion” of Mouzakitis and have already sent scouts to watch him in person several times this season.

Club officials are said to have been following his progress for a long period, building a detailed picture of his game rather than reacting to a few standout displays.

Any formal approach is expected to be one for the summer rather than January, which would fit with United’s broader plan to make a major midfield addition once the market opens up and Financial Fair Play pressures ease.

Earlier claims from England that Olympiacos had already put a £40 million price tag on the teenager are played down in Greece, with Sportal insisting no firm fee has been communicated yet.

However, the expectation is that the Greek champions will demand a hefty fee when serious bids arrive.

United, though, are far from alone in seeing an opportunity.

Brighton & Hove Albion alos hold a strong interest in Christos Mouzakitis, having tracked him closely and reportedly tested Olympiacos’ resolve already.

Given Brighton’s track record of snapping up young midfielders, developing them and then selling for huge profits, like with Moise Caicedo and like they’re attempting with Carlos Baleba, their presence in the race is another clear indicator of the teenager’s ceiling.