Manchester United looking to bring in another centre-half from STOKE!

Manchester United are allegedly keen on bringing in Stoke City centre-back Nathan Collins but face tough competition for his signature. Find out all the details, below.

Reports broke this week suggesting United have made a bid for Leicester City centre-half Harry Maguire, however, it seems he is not the only defender Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on bringing in this window.

Nathan Collins, an 18-year old Republic of Ireland youth international who plays his football for Championship side Stoke City, is next on Solskjaer’s transfer list according to the Sun. Werder Bremen are also interested in the defender.

Collins only played three matches for the first-team last season, but after a recommendation from former United player Darren Fletcher, it is believed the Red Devils are keen on pursuing his services.

At 18 years of age, the signing would once again show a statement of intent from Solskjaer, reaffirming his belief that the club should look out for young British talent. It would also demonstrate Ed Woodward’s seemingly ever-growing trust in the Norwegian that he is willing to invest in a Championship youngster who has only made a handful of senior appearances. /

Collins began last campaign in Stoke City’s under-18s and often captained the side. After 14 games he made the step up into the Premier League 2 (a league for under-23 sides).

Once again Collins impressed and was handed the armband for a few matches towards the back end of the season before breaking into the first-team. Becoming the youngest lad to do so in 22 years.

Collins tipped for big future

Stoke boss Nathan Jones seems to have big plans for Collins as he was pulled from Ireland’s Euro under-19 squad in order to focus his attention on a starting spot at the Bet365 in 2019/20.

"“Nathan, we believe, is going to be a wonderful player – but to do that he has to be pushed now and so on.“One way or another he will be playing first team football this year.”[Nathan Jones via Stoke Sentinel]"

One shouldn’t be blamed for questioning why a club the size of Manchester United aren’t producing their own top quality centre-halves instead of having to cherry-pick other team’s youngsters.

It is unlikely Solskjaer has plans to place Collins directly into the first-team squad at Manchester United, although, once again it shows his ambitions to plan for the future. Make no mistake, the treble winner is here for the long haul.

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Perhaps a move back to Stoke City on loan would be a good move for all involved. Assuming performance levels are consistent, Collins would be playing first-team football every week and getting exposure to senior football whilst he continues to grow in an environment he is familiar with.