16-year-old Feyenoord youth team player Tahith Chong has been extensively scouted by both Arsenal and Chelsea, but it looks like Manchester United have beaten the London clubs in the race to sign him.
Tahith Chong is not a name that would mean anything to the average football fan, but the teenage Dutchman has enough skill and ability to interest some big Premier League clubs. Manchester United have staved off competition from Arsenal and Chelsea and are on the verge of signing the 16-year-old, according to the Daily Mail.
The Under-17 Netherlands international is most comfortable on the left wing, but can play anywhere across the front line. The report adds that Feyenoord want him to stay, and as recently as February, Chong was quoted as saying that his first choice would be to remain with the Eredivisie outfit and progress to their first team.
However, the emergence of compatriot Tim Fosu-Mensah at Manchester United has reportedly made Chong rethink his decision. The teenager is impressed by the fact that the young players at Old Trafford are being given a lot of opportunities, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Fosu-Mensah and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson all having a role to play this season.
Dutch uprising at Old Trafford
The arrival of Louis van Gaal as Manchester United manager has heralded a Dutch uprising of sorts at Old Trafford. Van Gaal acquired Holland internationals Memphis Depay and Daley Blind in his two summer transfer windows as manager, and while the former has failed to step up, the latter is enjoying regular first team football at Old Trafford.
Even among the youth, Dutch defender Tim Fosu-Mensah is being given ample playing time by Van Gaal. The hope is that one of these young players continues the glorious tradition of Dutch players at Old Trafford. The likes of Jaap Stam, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie have entertained Manchester United fans over the years and the latest group of Dutch players will be looking to emulate their compatriots in the near future.
