Nice are readying an offer worth €12m (£10.5m) for Metz midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, according to reports in the French media.

It was claimed last week that Manchester United were leading the likes of Chelsea, Leicester and Everton in the race to secure the Senegalese international’s signature but it appears that Nice are the closest to making a move for the teenager.

Sarr has impressed since arriving in French football at the start of the season. The 18-year-old has made 23 appearances in all competitions this campaign, having only made his senior debut in November.

Metz head coach Frederic Antonetti has tried to play down interest in Sarr and two of his other players, Fabien Centonze and Kiki Kouyate, stating that the interest from big clubs may not necessarily lead to actual bids:

“There is a world between thinking of being in high demand and being the subject of real concrete offers.”

However, it appears Sarr could be the subject of an offer very soon and it remains to be seen whether United or any other club will get involved.