Manchester United have reached an agreement to sign teenager Harley Emsden-James from Southampton, beating a string of Premier League rivals to his signature.
The Red Devils have done a deal worth £1m for the 16-year-old talent, although they will go on to pay add-ons and Southampton have negotiated a 20 per cent sell on clause.
The centre-back has played up to Under-18 level for the Saints, despite only turning 16 in March this year.
There was plenty of competition for the England youth international, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all tracking the youngster.
Manchester United have won the race, though, continuing their recent ploy to snap up the most promising young talent in the country.
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The Red Devils have not only been able to do this from much smaller clubs, but also poaching talent from those of rival stature.
Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven both arrived from Arsenal in the last year and have made their debuts in the Manchester United first team.
It is very unlikely Emsden James will follow them into the first team in the near future, instead heading into the Under-18 team at Manchester United when he arrives.
18-year-old defender Heaven signed from Arsenal on February 1 and has already made six first team appearances for the Red Devils.
It would have been more than that if it were not for a season-disrupting injury and he is likely to be regularly involved next season.
Speaking out on why he left the Gunners for a move to Old Trafford, he said: ‘The opportunities that the young players have got here in the past.
‘I think United had the most minutes given to teenagers last season [2023/24]. That convinced me to come here.
‘And the people and the fans here are quite loving, and I felt that when I was playing. They’re so supportive.’
Director of football Jason Wilcox has been credited for bringing in a number of talented prospects and Ruben Amorim thanked him for Heaven’s arrival.
‘I think once again Jason Wilcox is doing a great job bringing Ayden,’ Amorim told MUTV in May.
‘I think these types of players are what we need. He showed a lot of quality and character after the big injury. We want these types of players.’
