Man Utd in advanced talks with highly rated youngster over first professional contract

Manchester United are in advanced talks with youngster Ethan Wheatley about signing a first professional contract with the club.

The forward, who has been capped by England’s Under-17s, has impressed United at youth level and is seen as one of the club’s brightest young prospects.

Wheatley played almost exclusively for United’s Under-18s last season, but has represented the Under-21s this term and has started all four Uefa Youth League matches, scoring in Copenhagen two weeks ago.

Wheatley’s impressive form has seen United move to tie him down to a senior deal, with his current contract expiring at the end of this season. The 17-year-old has attracted tentative interest from elsewhere but is happy at United and has no plans to look for a move elsewhere.

ManchesterWorld have been told talks are at an advanced stage, although no announcement is expected to be confirmed this side of Christmas. Stockport-born Wheatley has scored in all three Under-18 matches this season, and had his first taste of senior football when facing Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup.

Elsewhere, United are also planning to offer Omari Forson a longer-term deal. The winger, who represented the first team during pre-season, is one of the club’s most highly regarded academy products and has scored seven goals in eight underage matches.