Manchester United interest in defender followed by Barça offer and contract plan – Erik ten Hag involved

Manchester United among several European clubs tracking 18-year-old Twente defender Nijstad; Barcelona also eyeing him after failed summer bid.

Manchester United have joined Bayern Munich in early interest for FC Twente defender Ruud Nijstad, the 18-year-old who has attracted attention from several leading European clubs. Erik ten Hag, now Twente's technical director, recently confirmed the growing interest publicly.

Twente are moving to strengthen their position by offering Nijstad an improved contract with a significant pay rise, hoping to keep him committed through the January window and beyond. The club believe his value could eventually reach €40m (£33.3m) if his development continues.

Barcelona are also in the hunt after failing to sign him in the summer; the Spanish club reportedly offered €8m in August and could return with a proposal around €25m (£20.8m). United and Bayern Munich are described as interested in a potential January move, though no formal bids have been submitted.