According to The Sun, United sent a scout to watch the 20-year-old at a recent game for current club Brann as they step up their search for a long-term successor to Maguire, 32.
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Helland is highly regarded in Norway, lauded by manager Freyr Alexandersson as similar to Man City’s Rodri, with the report adding he has "the potential to be the best centre-back Norway has ever produced".
United won’t have a clear run at the centre-back, however. Bayern Munich have also sent scouts to watch Helland over the summer.
Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg are also keeping tabs on his situation as he looks destined for a move in the near future.