Man Utd join rivals in the race to sign wonderkid who left Premier League icon star-struck

Manchester United are reportedly among several clubs tracking Dylan Lawlor. The Cardiff City defender has recently been linked with a move to away from his boyhood club following his impressive start to the season.

While the summer transfer window has now shut, attention has inevitably shifted towards the January transfer window. United may seek to bolster their squad when the market reopens in the new year.

According to EFL Analysis, United, alongside Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle, have all been monitoring Lawlor throughout the campaign. The report claims they face overseas competition from RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, who are also believed to be tracking the 19-year-old.

The centre-half established himself in Cardiff's first-team setup last season. He has featured in every League One fixture for the Welsh side this term, with his displays earning him an inaugural call-up to Craig Bellamy's senior Wales setup.

The teenager was included in the starting XI for the nation's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan last week. He completed the entire 90 minutes and contributed to a clean sheet in a 1-0 triumph.

After the game, the Premier League icon heaped praise on the defender. As quoted by the Guardian Series, Bellamy said: "Beyond impressed. What a player. He was so just so impressive, and we needed him to be because we were fully aware of the pull-outs.

"Joe Rodon was gone, and there's times you look and think, 'how are we going to cope without Joe?' because he's such an immense player for us. This helps."

Bellamy, who played in the Premier League for seven different clubs during his career, added: "We have the sort of player underneath him now, (who is) going to rival everyone. He's a big plus to come out of this; We gained a big player from this."

Cardiff find themselves in a commanding position regarding any potential transfer involving Lawlor, given the defender recently penned fresh long-term terms with the Welsh outfit. The Bluebirds will be determined to retain the player's services for the foreseeable future, particularly as they target an immediate return to the Championship this campaign.

Lawlor is anticipated to feature when Cardiff travel to face Stockport County on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).