Man Utd confirm singing of defender and chasing new striker | OneFootball

Manchester United have completed the signing of young defender Harley Emsden-James from Southampton.

The highly-rated 16-year-old has spent his entire youth career up to date with Southampton, making two U18 Premier League appearances last season at the age of 15.

Southampton will receive a compensation fee for the defender.

He is likely to play for the under-18s mostly this season, who are managed by former Man Utd midfielder Darren Fletcher.

“Proud and grateful to sign for United,” he said. “A dream come true and the start of an exciting new chapter. Can’t wait to get started.”

United are also hoping to sign a striker this summer.

They have already moved to bring in forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolves and Brentford respectively for a combined fee of around £130m.

But boss Ruben Amorim is keen to further revamp his attack by adding a new centre-forward, though did suggest recently that they may not do so.

Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins are among the players United are keen on.