The lowdown on Man Utd target Christos Tzolis

Christos Tzolis is a name in every top European scout's notebook  - and the Greek prodigy has lived up to very high expectations so far this season.

The 19-year-old forward has progressed through PAOK's youth ranks and, despite only making his senior debut in 2020, Tzolis is already being linked to European giants such as Manchester United.

A regular starter for the Greek side this season, the teenage talent has scored 16 goals and provided 8 assists in 34 matches for PAOK (all competitions, including Champions League qualifiers). Very respectable stats that make Tzolis the most productive Under-19 player across all of Europe so far this season.

👶 Most goal involvements by U19s this season (#UEFA's 'Top 20' ranked leagues + #UCL + #UEL exc. qualifiers):

14 ⚽️: 🇬🇷 CHRISTOS TZOLIS 🇬🇷 (9G + 5A)
13 ⚽️: Florian Wirtz, Noni Madueke
9 ⚽️: Bukayo Saka, Armando Broja#PAOK #slgr pic.twitter.com/OLjaTVbVGa

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) February 22, 2021

Already with four caps and one goal under his belt at full international level, Tzolis is a quick and technical forward who, having played almost exclusively as a striker during his academy days, has recently been deployed consistently as a left winger.

Fast, explosive and an extraordinary dribbler at pace, there are definite parallels to be drawn with Liverpool's Diogo Jota - particularly as Tzolis also offers a big goal threat much like the Portuguese forward.  

Although he's not the tallest, Tzolis is very strong physically and hard to stop in full flow. An irreverent streak and plenty of confidence make him a formidable 1v1 opponent who possesses the kind of unpredictability and flamboyance that can scare the best of defenders. 

The fact Tzolis has eased his way into PAOK's first team at such a young age shows this young Greek talent has real potential...but is he ready to step up to higher level?

If the speculation is to be believed, there are definitely suitors prepared to offer Tzolis an opportunity to shine on a bigger stage.

Although there is always the danger that young players in Tzolis' mould may move too early and miss out on valuable gametime, a more competitive league is arguably what he needs now to develop his game further.

Even though Premier League clubs like the Red Devils are monitoring Tzolis' progress, the smart money is on a potential move to the Bundesliga - with Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig proven destinations when it comes to blooding exciting young talents such as his.