Man United and Newcastle join the race to sign Spurs and Crystal Palace target Malcolm Ebiowei

Derby starlet Malcolm Ebiowei is at the centre of a four-way battle as he edges closer to a decision on his future.

Manchester United and Newcastle have joined Tottenham and Crystal Palace by showing interest in the exciting 18 year-old attacker.

Ebiowei’s emergence was one of the bright spots of Derby’s season which ended with relegation to League One following their brave fight to beat the drop after being hit with a 21-point deduction.

But his short-term deal expires next month and Ebiowei, who has played for England and Holland at youth level, is set to leave the Pride Park club.

Previously in the academies of Arsenal and Rangers, Ebiowei, predominantly a winger who has also played through the middle, joined Derby last year.

He spent the first half of the campaign in the Rams’ youth setup, scoring seven times in seven under-18 appearances and also featuring for their U23s.

Ebiowei then became one of the youngsters Wayne Rooney turned to during Derby’s relegation fight.

United and Newcastle have joined Spurs and Crystal Palace in the transfer race for Ebiowei

The 18-year-old star made 16 appearances for Derby during the second half of the season

He shone when he stepped up from youth football and was given his first taste of senior action, making 16 appearances during the second half of the season.

Following one of his eye-catching displays at Coventry, Rooney said: ‘He has got enormous ability. ‘He’s brave, he’s not afraid to take players on, get tackled, and make mistakes.

‘I thought he was excellent all game. He was the best player on the pitch. It is one of the best performances I have seen from a young player consistently for 90 minutes in a long time and he deserves that because he’s worked so hard. His attitude is incredible and he’s an exciting young player.’