Croatian starlet plays down Manchester United link

Manchester United target Alen Halilovic insists he is trying to ignore the rumours linking him with a move to Old Trafford - and says comparisons with Lionel Messi are far too premature.

The Dinamo Zagreb playmaker is only 16 but is seen as one of the most exciting prospects in Croatian football since Luka Modric came on the scene.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who ironically wanted Modric this summer before his move to Real Madrid, remains committed to leaving a lasting legacy at United and is monitoring Halilovic.

But the youngster says he does not want to think about the speculation just now and insists his sole focus is on playing for Zagreb.

"Stories about Manchester United? I do not spend much time thinking about those rumours," he told Jutarnji List.

"Dinamo Zagreb will decide what will happen to me. All I have to do is try to improve as much as I can - everything else does not matter now."

Halilovic's movement on the ball has been likened to a young Messi back in his homeland but the Zagreb starlet wants to play down such talk.

He added: "I read in the newspapers that I look like Leo Messi when I play, but I think the comparison with Messi is simply exaggerated.

"Messi is the one. I admire him - he is a role model for many young players, but I do not know if everyone can be like him."