Manchester United reach agreement to sign midfielder next year

Manchester United have reached a preliminary agreement to sign Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco next year.

The 17-year-old central midfielder plays for Colombian club Fortaleza FC and is also the captain of his country at U17s level. He has represented his country nine times at that age group and worn the captain's armband in every appearance.

Orozco shone at the South American U17 Championship earlier this year, helping Colombia reach the final, where they lost to Brazil in a penalty shootout. The teenager will have another shot at international glory later this year when Colombia participate in the U17 World Cup, with matches against Germany, North Korea and El Salvador in the group stage.

Orozco only joined his current club Fortaleza, earlier in the summer when he left Rojo FC. It is understood that the agreement will see both of his former clubs benefit financially from the proposed deal to take him to Old Trafford.

Due to the fact he is still only 17, Orozco will not be able to complete a move to England until he turns 18 on 13 July next year. However, United will still be able to reach a pre-transfer agreement, just as they did when they signed Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño in the summer after they had agreed to sign him six months earlier.

It means the defensive midfielder will continue to feature for Fortaleza for the remainder of the season before he embarks on his new adventure next summer.

United's interest in Orozco comes at a time when they are aiming to become more proactive with their international scouting and explore untapped markets that represent better value for money. There is a hope that by acting quickly, United can secure potential future stars for much smaller fees than if they had to buy them from another European club further down the line.

TRANSFER NEWS: Manchester United battle Man City for midfield signing after formal offer made