Manchester United have joined the chase for highly-rated Nigerian starlet Adigun Salami.
The 18-year-old FC Midtjylland midfielder was invited for a trial at Chelsea in November and Premiership rivals United have now shown an interest in securing his signature.
The two English giants famously indulged in a protracted and bitter transfer wrangle over John Obi Mikel, another Nigerian starlet plying his trade in Scandinavia, and could find themselves in direct competition for the latest teenage talent to catch the eye.
However, the Danish club have refused to allow Salami to undergo a trial period at Old Trafford for fear of compromising his market value.
"The club believe it would hurt Salami's value to send him on trial, but I believe the opposite," agent Daryll Powell told BT.
"It will boost his price if both Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in the same player."
The club are keen on keeping hold of Salami for as long as possible after losing star midfielder Mikkel Thygesen, although United could still make a move for the youngster.
"Alex Ferguson is welcome to table an offer for Salami, but we feel it would be best for his development to stay with us for some time," said FCM director Jens Oergaard.