United face fight for Haestad

A string of Premiership clubs are keeping tabs on Norwegian prospect Kristofer Haestad.

Manchester United scouts are already known to have watched the 22-year-old international in the Uefa Cup in midweek.

But it has now emerged they may face competition from top flight rivals Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic, should they chose to pursue the central midfielder.

While the IK Start youngster has stated that he would favour a move to Old Trafford, he does not feel ready for a move to the Theatre of Dreams just yet.

"It is flattering in case there is something in it, but I haven't heard anything." Haestad told TV2 Sporten.

"I have a dream of playing for United, but it is far from a dream to reality.

"Neither do I feel that I am good enough to play for United, yet. But I dream that I will be good enough in the future."

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is believed to have been tipped off about the player's talent by Haestad's fellow countryman Morten Gamst Pedersen.

But while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might have taken the spotlight in his return for the country in the 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil earlier this month, Haestad is now known to have been watched by Chelsea's chief scout Frank Arnesen.

"I didn't feel it was my best match, but considering the opponents we faced, I am pleased." Haestad told Nettavisen.

Haestad's next international outings look set to be the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Hungary on September 2 and against Moldova four days later.