Manchester United are in “advanced talks” to complete their first January signing

Manchester United are edging closer to completing the signing of talented teenage goalkeeper Callan McKenna.

The young goalkeeper is expected to be United’s first signing of the January transfer window.

Even though Callan McKenna would be joining the United academy rather than Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup, he has first team experience and would be the first acquisition made by the club at any level this January.

According to the Daily Record, the Red Devils and McKenna’s Scottish team, Queen’s Park, are in advanced negotiations for the transfer and the deal could be completed soon.

The report has suggested that the cost of the transfer would be in six figures, “loaded with add-ons” that may push it up to seven figures.

The 17-year-old Queen’s Park goalkeeper, who competes in Scotland’s second division, has already made his first team debut for the club.

McKenna started his career at Celtic’s academy at a young age. In 2018, he signed with Hibernian, and in 2021, he joined Queen’s Park.

The young goalkeeper’s career has progressed well so far and he has made nine appearances this season, keeping two clean sheets.

The report in The Record claims that United have reportedly defeated Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to complete his signing. McKenna plays for his country at the under-18 and under-17 levels and is an international for Scotland’s under-19 squad.

These are exactly the signings United should be making. Instead of spending outrageous amounts on expensive players who end up being flops, the club should have a proper scouting system and monitor the best young players in the world and bring them to Old Trafford.