Othmane Maamma: Man United join PL rivals in chase for electric Watford wonderkid | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly one of several Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Watford sensation Othmane Maamma.

Maamma making waves

Over the past few years, Watford have developed a reputation for identifying top football talent and selling them for significant profits, as exemplified by the high-profile transfers of the likes of Richarlison, Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro.

Once again, Watford seem to have a major sale brewing, with Maamma the player in question. Signed from Montpellier last summer for a reported fee of less than £1m, Maamma is virtually guaranteed to sell for several times that amount, thanks to his meteoric rise at Vicarage Road in England’s second tier.

A two-footed winger, Maamma can be deployed to great effect on either flank. The 20-year-old has racked up 20 Championship appearances so far this term, contributing three goals and one assist in that period.

In what is his breakout campaign, Maamma has already cemented his status as one of Watford’s best and most important players, catching the eye with his ability to beat defenders with his ball control and unpredictability, explosive pace and remarkable composure.

He first shot into the limelight during the Under-20 World Cup, with the Moroccan winning the Player of the Tournament award. He followed that up with the African Young Player of the Year prize.

Although omitted from Morocco’s recent Africa Cup of Nations squad, Maamma is on course to secure a place in their World Cup selection this summer.

According to TEAMtalk, the youngster has popped up on United’s radar.

United eyeing Maamma

TEAMtalk report, “Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United were all at Vicarage Road on Thursday to watch Watford starlet Othmane Maamma, TEAMtalk can reveal.”

“Brighton, Brentford and Sunderland have also been watching.”

The report adds, “Watford paid Montpellier less than £1million in the summer, and although they are not planning a January sale, it would be hard to turn down a huge profit on the Moroccan if someone tabled an offer.”

It’s understood that this is not the first time United and other interested parties have sent representatives to see Maamma in action.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe assumed operational control of United, the Red Devils have shifted their focus toward signing young talent, making their pursuit of Maamma a logical next step. It now remains to be seen which suitor will formalise their interest with a concrete offer.

Featured image Leila Coker via Getty Images

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