MANCHESTER UNITED hope to beat Tottenham to the signing of Sunderland’s young striker Joe Hugill.
United are in touch with the Black Cats about a deal that would see the rangy frontman join them for a six figure fee.
Jose Mourinho’s
Spurs were in pole position for Hugill and sent top spy Ian Broomfield to watch him in the last days before lockdown.
But now United are ready to take advantage of the delay and make their move.
Hugill, 16, plays well above his age group and is rated as good as any of his type of forward for his age.
United are looking for emerging talent and have already poached Hugill’s team-mate Logan Pye.
Meanwhile, United have been unable to force through a £30million move for
Birmingham City 16-year-old Jude Bellingham, despite Sir Alex Ferguson's intervention.
The midfielder has enjoyed a sensational Championship season so early in his career.
And Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked with the hottest English talent outside the top-flight.