I said on Friday that Man United will be linked with many young, upcoming central defenders because of the constant speculation linking Nemanja Vidic with a move away from Old Trafford. It is being reported today that Man United are lining up a move for the ‘next Vidic’. 21-year old Even Hovland has had two trials at Man United, in which he has apparently impressed Sir Alex Ferguson. He excelled so much that a medical was done last month but he wasn’t signed and there is no agreement in place for Man United to sign him.
Hovland broke his foot during the opening match of the 2009 season against Hønefoss, which ruled him out for most of the season. He did return to full training but that broken foot hasn’t stopped United taking an interest so he must have a lot of talent.
According to Scandinavian Scouting Agency, Hovland was named as one of the top five defenders in Norway after a conbined review of statistics presented by all the major newspapers in Norway.
There is also the chance that Hovland may not want to come to Man United, there are many Norweign clubs thought to be interested in the player.
If he does join Man United during the summer he will be coming at the same time as another young central defender Chris Smalling. He has agreed to join Man United after a fee was sorted between Man United and Fulham. Maybe we could be seeing the next central defensive partnership who would replace Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
This is also taking into account that Vidic will leave in the summer, there is a good chance that, that won't happen. His contract runs out in 2012, he is being linked with a move away but that doesn't mean that it will happen. So we will have to wait and see.
As things currently stand, Vidic is still a Man United player and still will be until 2012. There is no agreement to sign Hovland, yet. Maybe Vidic will stay and we sign Novland along with Smalling and in a few years we see those two playing together in defence.
