Goalkeeper Tom Wooster, 15, could be set to join Manchester United’s academy in January from his hometown club Barnsley.
The Horizon School pupil, who has played for England under 15s and was the Reds’ Academy Player of the Year last season, posted a picture of himself outside United’s academy on Instagram this week.
Under the Elite Player Performance Plan, the Reds would be owed compensation based on how long Wooster has spent and trained with the club.
Chief executive Dane Murphy told the Chronicle: “Tom is still with Barnsley.
“He has had interest from Manchester United and he’s been to their ground. As of right now, nothing is officially agreed.
“But there is mutual interest between Tom and Manchester United for a move. He was on trial there and he did extremely well from the reports we have had.
“He is a big prospect and a few clubs have asked about him. He is still a Barnsley player but that may change in January. There would need to be compensation involved.”
Murphy praised the academy staff at the club and the level of player they are producing.
“You can see in the last eight months, the contribution from some of our players who have come through the 16s, 18s and 23s is vital for us.
“We champion ourselves as a fiscally responsible club and we’re trying to be on a sustainable pathway and one of the best ways to do that is to grow our own players.
“We are doing a very good job on that. Our academy players and coaches have done an extremely good job during the last few months when things have been very difficult.”
