As Manchester United gear up for a vital summer at first-team level, their academy recruitment continues to operate with equal intensity behind the scenes.
The league season has been one to forget, but United are already focusing on what lies ahead.
With INEOS intent on reshaping the club’s football structure from top to bottom, the focus on youth development has ramped up.
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United are moving decisively to secure some of the country’s brightest emerging talents.
The club made headlines in January with the signing of Arsenal centre-back Ayden Heaven for £1.5 million in compensation.
Now they’re preparing to follow that up with another defensive addition.
Manchester United leading race to sign Harley Emsden-James
According to Mail Sport, United are leading the race to sign highly-rated Southampton centre-back Harley Emsden-James.
The 16-year-old England youth international has been tracked by a number of Premier League sides, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
However, United believe they are in pole position thanks to the influence of technical director Jason Wilcox, who previously worked at Southampton.
Despite only making two appearances for Saints in the Under-18 Premier League, Emsden-James is regarded as one of the top prospects in his age group and could cost around £1 million in
compensation.
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The move would mark another statement of intent from United’s academy.
The club are determined to build a new generation of elite talent capable of breaking into the first team in the years to come.
Balance will of course, be needed among the incomings of young talents and top quality additions.
The expected arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves signals that United aren’t solely focused on the youth-based approach.
