Man Utd and Barcelona in transfer race for 17-year-old Marseille forward Isaac Lihadji

MANCHESTER UNITED have joined in the race for Marseille sensation Isaac Lihadji, according to reports.

Barcelona and Everton are also interested in signing the young winger, considered to be one of the most exciting prospects in the Ligue 1 side’s academy.

Lihadji, 17, is yet to sign his first professional contract and has just one year left on his current deal.

And according to , United are among Europe’s biggest clubs considering a swoop for the French whizkid.

It is claimed that the France U17 international is keen on staying in Marseille – with his camp already locked in talks with the Ligue 1 side.

But an agreement is yet to be struck with the two parties believed to be quite far apart in negotiations.

Lihadji wants reassurances over his role in Andre Villas Boas’ side.

The new Marseille coach – and former Chelsea and Tottenham gaffer – gifted the youngster with a 45-minute cameo in last week’s 8-1 rout of DC United.

Meanwhile, Red Devils chiefs are preparing a final push for Leicester star defender Harry Maguire.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now even more desperate to sign a new centre-back with Eric Bailly out until the new year with a knee injury.

United, who have pursued Maguire, 26, throughout the summer, will almost certainly have to finally meet Leicester’s asking price of £80million.

But executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is believed to be ready to agree a fee with the Foxes.