Man Utd and Premier League rival send scouts to watch "unique" transfer target

31 October 2023 , 09:56

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Nicolai Vallys has starred for Brondby this season (Image: Lars Ronbog/FrontZoneSport via Getty Images)

Manchester United and Aston Villa are among the host of European clubs to have sent scouts to watch Nicolai Vallys after being impressed by the Brondby midfielder.

Vallys, 27, has enjoyed a superb start to the season in the Danish Superliga by scoring seven goals and registering two assists in 13 games. In front of United and Villa officials on Sunday, the Copenhagen-born ace produced a man-of-the-match performance; setting up the opening goal with a smart header before netting an emphatic winner as Brondby beat Nordsjaelland 2-1.

A right-footed attacking midfielder who can also operate on the left wing, Vallys recently made his international debut for Denmark and is being monitored by clubs across the continent. During his stellar sophomore season with second-placed Brondby, the 27-year-old has attracted attention from the likes of United and Villa, according to Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet, translated by Sport Witness.

Also weighing up a move in the January transfer window are Championship side Southampton, Wolfsburg, Real Betis, Marseille and PSV Eindhoven. Those five clubs and the Premier League duo all reportedly watched Vallys steal the show against Nordsjaelland.

The 6ft 2in star was described as the 'epitome of football intelligence' after the win and Vallys' manager, Jesper Sorensen, believes that he's is a "unique player" for the Danish top flight. "It's impressive in relation to how he perceives the game," Sorensen explained.

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"Most (players) would probably have headed the (opening) goal themselves. But Vallys is the type to pick things up extremely quickly. He's just a unique player for the league."

Have your say! Should Manchester United sign Nicolai Vallys in January? Join the debate in the comments section.

Nicolai Vallys is being monitored by Manchester United, Aston Villa and Southampton among others (Lars Ronbog / FrontZoneSport via Getty Images)

The Brondby boss isn't yet concerned about losing his chief playmaker either, with Vallys tied down on a contract until 2026 after signing from Silkeborg last summer. "I don't go about my day worrying about whether we can keep Vallys," Sorensen added. "But if there is someone else who thinks Vallys is more talented than us, then I can really understand that."

What's worth noting is how Vallys already has numerous acquaintances at United, with Red Devils pair Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund now his teammates for the Danish national team. It'd be a surprise to see United stump up a hefty fee for a player of Vallys' age given that he's only played in Denmark, but Erik ten Hag has shocked us before.

Nathan Ridley