Manchester United are interested in signing 18-year-old Saint-Etienne centre back William Saliba, according to reports in France.

Saliba, who only turned 18 on March 24, is valued at around £25million and Saint-Etienne would likely demand that he is loaned back to them for at least a season.

That has not stopped major European clubs from tracking the teenager, with United reportedly at the head of the queue.

Manchester United are interested in signing Saint-Etienne centre back William Saliba (left)

French football magazine Le 10 Sport say that the Premier League club are in prime position to begin talks with Saliba.

They report that United's interest is serious and talks will begin with the player in the coming weeks once they get the green light from Saint-Etienne.

Saliba has made 13 appearances for the Ligue 1 club this season, seven starts in the league as they chase European football next season.

Saliba (centre) who only turned 18 on March 24, is valued at £25million by the Ligue 1 side

The teenager, who is also capable of playing at right back, is a France youth international and has won three caps for the Under 19s.

United are no longer making the chase of first-choice centre backs a priority, having made several enquiries for players such as Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng and Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham last summer when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

However they remain willing to invest in other areas, and are in the market for young talent wherever it is available.

They have also been linked with Samuel Umtiti, with Barcelona willing to sell in order to finance a move for Matthijs de Ligt.