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Manchester United are under growing pressure to finalise a deal for AFC Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi before their arch-rivals Liverpool make a move, according to fresh reports.

The 19-year-old Kroupi has delivered an exceptional debut season at the Vitality Stadium, emerging as Bournemouth’s top scorer with 13 goals – more than double the tally of his strike partner, Evanilson.

His stunning goal in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City last night not only secured Bournemouth’s first-ever qualification for European football but also confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions. The France under-21 international, who recently declined an invitation to play for Portugal, also became the highest-scoring teenager in Premier League history during his debut campaign.

However, it isn’t only his goal-scoring that has drawn attention from Europe’s elite clubs, including Manchester United. Kroupi’s ability to operate effectively across the front line as a versatile attacking threat has made him one of the most sought-after young players in the league.

The Red Devils are keeping a close eye on the Lorient-born youngster as they prepare for their Champions League return next season. The club is keen on adding a left-winger and a more consistent No.9 to support Benjamin Sesko, and Kroupi’s adaptability makes him an ideal candidate for both roles.

Scouts who have travelled to the south coast to watch Kroupi in action have submitted highly positive reports. The player is reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford, though Bournemouth remain determined to retain their rising star this summer.

Nevertheless, Liverpool have now intensified their interest, with reports from Sports Boom suggesting that the Merseyside side are ready to “step up their pursuit.”

According to the report, Liverpool are preparing to act as new manager Arne Slot has “personally identified” Kroupi as a key transfer target.

“Sources indicate that the Dutch coach views Kroupi as a player capable of becoming one of the Premier League’s leading attacking talents. Slot has been tracking the youngster’s development closely and believes he has the potential to flourish in Liverpool’s dynamic attacking setup.”

Aston Villa are also said to be “heavily involved” in the chase, with Unai Emery’s side searching for a possible replacement for Morgan Rogers, who has been strongly linked with Manchester United. Should the 23-year-old England international depart, Villa would reportedly have “both the financial means and the motivation to act swiftly in the transfer market.”

Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City are also believed to be monitoring Kroupi closely, while European giants Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown interest. The fact that nearly every top club in Europe is “scrambling for position” to land the Bournemouth prodigy speaks volumes about his immense promise.

If INEOS can beat the competition to secure Kroupi’s signature this summer, it would be a major coup for Manchester United. The teenager would represent a significant upgrade over Joshua Zirkzee while offering the flexibility to partner or rotate with Sesko in the attack.

However, Bournemouth are expected to demand a club-record transfer fee, making it unlikely that United can meet the financial requirements without major player sales or additional funding.

That said, a report from The Peoples Person recently claimed that INEOS held a “secret transfer meeting” with Bournemouth last week, fuelling speculation that a major transfer could still materialise in the coming weeks.