According to ESPN FC, Manchester United are hot on the heels of Celtic defender Daniel Church.
Church looks to have a bright future in the game as at the age of just 15, he has already represented the Scotland schoolboys and featured prominently for Celtic’s Under-17 side, who waltzed to a 4-0 victory over Rangers in the Glasgow Cup final last month.
Church is seen by our landlord here in the Transfer Tavern as ideal recruitment for Manchester United, who are looking to bolster their Under-18 team.
The likes of the impressive Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson have both figured for the first team this year, graduating from the younger age group and so United clearly want to take advantage of what is evidently a strong youth set up.
United have signed Lee O’Connor from Waterford, Nishan Burkhart from FC Zurich and striker Tahith Chong from Feyenoord as recently as last month – and the feeling is this is just the beginning for the Red Devils’ youth recruitment this year.
Daniel Church would be a good acquisition for United, but who should come in after that? Our punters here in the the Transfer Tavern look at the next FIVE bright young talents that should follow him to the Old Trafford giants……
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE STARS TO FOLLOW!
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Lincoln
It’s only a matter of time before the young Brazilian leaves Gremio.
At the age of 17 Lincoln is fast becoming the latest in a long line of brilliant players being talked about in the South American country.
He’s played for his national team’s under-17 side eleven times, scoring on four occasions and has also featured for Gremio in the Copa Libertadores, the South American Champions League, starting five games. United would make a real statement earning his signature.
Jesus Marimon
Marimon is another South American making a name for himself.
The Colombian is a defensive midfielder plying his trade for Once Caldas in his home nation.
He’s made four appearances in the Colombian First Division providing an assist, and at the age of 17 has plenty of years to make the holding role his own.
Going slightly under the radar he’s drawn comparisons with Yaya Toure from some quarters, and could prove a shrewd piece of business should the Red Devils go for him.
Joao Filipe
A tricky, Portuguese winger at Manchester United? Sound familiar? Filipe is one of the latest prodigies at Benfica and is destined for the top.
He turned 17 at the end of March and plays for Benfica’s under-19 side where he has two assists in four UEFA Youth League appearances.
The starlet has great potential which is underlined by his stats at under-17 level for his national team, hitting ten goals in nine games, there’s sure to be a lot of competition for this guy.
Joe Bell
If United want to steal a march on their rivals then signing this defensive midfielder would certainly do that.
Bell is currently playing in New Zealand for Wellington Phoenix Reserves, and whilst on the face of it this seems unspectacular consider this: Despite the team name, Wellington compete in the New Zealand Premier Division.
He’s made thirteen appearances for a squad that has an average of under 19.
This shows that Bell and his young team-mates are no pushovers and could be worth a look.
Gokhan Gul
Gul can play in the holding role and as a centre half and has made two appearances for the Germany under 18’s scoring one goal.
Gul plays in VfL Bochum’s first team, featuring 23 times in the 2.Bundesliga for his side, scoring two and assisting one, coming close to gaining promotion with his team.
If Gul continues in this vein, he’s only 17, he’s sure to seal a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and Manchester United should want to make sure it’s them he progresses his career with.
