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Manchester United’s red-hot pursuit of Kennet Eichhorn has taken a sharp twist after a bitter rival stormed into the race for the Hertha Berlin wonderkid, according to a new report.

Toni Kroos Regen

Despite only turning 16 last summer, Eichhorn’s reputation in Germany is already skyrocketing after breaking into Hertha’s first team this season. The youngster has proven that age is just a number, however, as he has consistently produced excellent displays, demonstrating a maturity in and out of possession which has even drawn comparisons to Toni Kroos.

Described as an “all-action midfielder”, the 6’1 technician already possesses the well-rounded skill set modern football demands in the engine room, capable of dropping deep to dictate play or roaming forward to create havoc in the opposition half.

His contract at the Olympiastadion contains a release clause worth between €10-12 million (£8.75-10.5m).

A host of teams inside and outside of the Bundesliga have taken notice of this meteoric rise, with Real Madrid understood to be a frontrunner after their scouts delivered glowing reports on the potential heir to Kroos.

Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt are also keeping close tabs, while FC Barcelona will always find a...