Manchester United are looking to bring in some fresh faces this summer, and it appears that a young Irish player may be amongst the new recruits.
If recent reports in the media are to be believed, United seem to have shifted their transfer strategy this summer. Having continually chased big name players over the past few years, they are now targeting more youthful talents.
The likes of Daniel James and Sean Longstaff are rumoured targets, but an Ireland U19 international has also caught their eye.
The Sun are reporting that United are set to sign Stoke centre back Nathan Collins, who joined the club from Cherry Orchard in 2017.
Collins made only three Championship appearances for Stoke this season, but has been highly recommended by Darren Fletcher. He has been massively impressed by Collins during their time together at Stoke, who thinks he is already good enough for the United first team.
The defender captained Ireland in last summer's UEFA U17 European Championships, where they suffered a heartbreaking quarter final loss to The Netherlands. He has since made the step up to U19 level.
Collins only turned 18-years old a couple of weeks ago, and is expected to have a bright future in the game.
The links to the Irish youngster is just the latest example of a revised transfer strategy from Manchester United, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking to recruit young, hungry players this summer. The Norwegian manager has expressed his desire to work with young players, and move such as this one should offer him the opportunity to do so.
Having a promising young Irish player involved in the first teams at such a big club could only be good news, assuming Solskjaer is as committed to youth as he seems to be. This could be an exciting move for Irish football should it come off.
