Exciting young defender responds to Manchester United transfer links

'My plan is' - Exciting young defender responds to Manchester United transfer links

Man Utd have a network of scouts keeping tabs on young players around Europe and Eivind Helland has attracted interest.

Eivind Helland plays for SK Brann. (Image: 2024 UEFA )

Manchester United are tracking the progress of Norwegian defender Eivind Helland.

Christopher Vivell has streamlined United's scouting system since his permanent appointment as director of permanent recruitment in February, but the club still retains a healthy network.

And a scout reportedly attended SK Brann's game against Viking on Sunday to watch Helland.

Brann, who are second in the Norwegian topflight, won 3-1 and Helland played the full 90 minutes.

The 20-year-old centre-back has built a reputation as one of Norway's most promising young talents and local press in Bergen are currently linking his name to Manchester.

For now, though, it seems Helland will continue to play for Brann, as he explained on Sunday.

“I haven’t thought much about it [Manchester United]," Helland told Norwegian outlet VG.

"That’s just the way it is. That’s how the football world is. I’m very calm about it. I feel very comfortable here, and my plan is to stay here."

Helland was asked whether he could leave this summer and said: "No, I’m going to play really well with Brann.”

Since Ineos gained control of football operations, United have signed a handful of promising youngsters, and signing Ayden Heaven from Arsenal for £1million has been regarded as a bargain.

Speaking after the final day of the season, Ruben Amorim said: “I think once again Jason Wilcox is doing a great job bringing Ayden. I think these types of players are what we need.

"He showed a lot of quality and character after the big injury. We want these types of players.”

Helland's contract with Brann expires at the end of 2026.

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