Manchester United are reportedly set to fight off interest from Tottenham and Arsenal to land Sunderland youngster Joe Hugill.
As reported by Manchester Evening News, United have been working to sign the 16-year-old for the past few months and are close to finalising the deal which could be worth £300,000.
It is claimed that Wolves, Leeds and some unnamed German sides were also monitoring the young striker, who is regarded as one of the most exciting players in his age group.
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Hugill has spent his entire career to date in the North East at Sunderland’s academy, but could be among United’s academy intake for the 2020-21 season.
He is an imposing left-footed forward standing at 6ft 2 tall and scores plenty of goals.
The youngster has netted a hat trick in the FA Youth Cup this season and scored a brace on his U23’s debut against West Ham.
United have a fantastic record of developing young talent and Hugill could be the latest to join the academy production line.
The Reds also recently beat Spurs to the signing of one of their most promising players in the youth system in Hannibal Mejbri, who moved from Monaco in August.
🔴🔴Manchester United are close to finalising a deal for Sunderland youngster Joe Hugill, according to MEN Sport.
Tottenham, Arsenal, Wolves, and Leeds were all interested in the 16-year-old player.#JoeHugill #MUFCunite
[📷:Getty images] pic.twitter.com/OPEHRpeDpA— MUFC unite (@MUFCunite) May 4, 2020