Man Utd prodigy in line for loan exit - Middlesbrough, Norwich City & Preston must make their moves | OneFootball

Middlesbrough, Norwich City and Preston North End should all eye up summer loan moves for Manchester United prodigy Shea Lacey.

Manchester United are set to let young prodigy Shea Lacey leave on loan next season, amid doubts that he'll be able to make his mark in the first team at Old Trafford.

The 18-year-old winger is one of the most exciting prospects emerging from the Carrington-based academy, and has already made his Premier League debut this season, coming on as an 85th minute substitute in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa back in late December.

Since then, Lacey went on to make two more senior appearances for the Red Devils, but hasn't featured under new caretaker boss Michael Carrick, after he was sent off in an FA Cup tie against Brighton.

Now, according to reports from Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, United are keen to find their young winger a new temporary home next season, as they feel his first-team opportunities will be limited.

With that in mind, Football League World decided to look at three EFL clubs that could look to take Lacey on loan next term.

3 ? ? Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough are currently locked in a tense battle with Millwall and Ipswich Town for second place in the Championship, with just two separating the three promotion-hunting sides.

If Boro fail to clinch promotion, you can't help but feel they will struggle to hold onto star winger Morgan Whittaker, who has enjoyed a stellar campaign, whilst Jeremy Sarmiento will return to parent club Brighton after his loan concludes at the end of the season.

This could be where Lacey comes in, as Kim Hellberg will likely be looking to add at least one right-sided wide player to his ranks after Sarmiento returns to Brighton, and the Man Utd youngster may be a perfect fit.

Boro have previously helped play a big role in the development of young Premier League wingers, with Ben Doak's emergence last season being an excellent example of the good environment at the Riverside Stadium to help youngsters thrive.

Hellberg's style of play is often reliant on wide creativity too, meaning Lacey would see plenty of action on the flanks, and be able to showcase his talent in a high-tempo, fluid system.

The 18-year-old would also pose an excellent goal threat on the right, thanks to his ability to cut inside and create chances on his left foot, which is what makes Boro's current star wide player, Whittaker, so dangerous.

2 ? ? Norwich City

Norwich City have enjoyed an excellent turnaround under Philippe Clement, after a disastrous start to the season under Liam Manning sparked fears of relegation to League One amid supporters.

The Canaries now sit comfortably in mid-table, and are set for another season in the second tier, where they believe they can use the momentum they've found in the second half of the campaign to push towards the top six next term.

Under Clement, Norwich have become an expansive, possession-based team, whose wingers are an integral component in the system, combining in tight spaces to help fashion more openings for the central players.

For a ball-carrying playmaker like Lacey, this would be an ideal environment. His ability to bring the ball forward, take on his man, and cut inside would suit Clement's style to a tee, as he likes his wingers to be more direct and take risks.

The teenager would likely learn a lot from working under the former Rangers boss too, as his system would teach Lacey the importance of positional and combination play, which would aid his development hugely.

The Canaries have a strong track record of developing wingers too. Borja Sainz and Jonathan Rowe are recent examples of wide players who've thrived at Carrow Road, albeit under different management.

1 ? ? Preston North End

The final team on the list is Preston North End, who currently find themselves slipping down the Championship table, having failed to notch a single win in their seven league outings.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom will certainly be keen to add to his attacking arsenal in the summer, and Lacey could be an excellent option for the Championship side, who've already seen success in young Premier League loanee Alfie Devine this season.

A move to Deepdale may be the most unorthodox choice on the list, given their direct style of play and system that doesn't exactly play to the 18-year-old's strengths, but will certainly help him develop the physical side of his game.

In Heckingbottom's preferred 3-4-1-2 system, Lacey would likely play centrally as the number ten, suiting his skillset of carrying the ball forward, leading the side in attacking transitions, and providing moments of individual quality.

The physical and direct approach Preston play with will certainly help toughen up the Liverpool-born prodigy too, as his minimal experience in senior football thus far hasn't given him a sufficient opportunity to adapt to the physical side of the senior game.

Location could also play a factor in a move to North End, as Manchester and Preston are separated by just over 30 miles, meaning Lacey wouldn't have to relocate for the year either.