Manchester United are set to pip Chelsea to the services of Watford left-back Harry Amass, reports the Evening Standard.
The Carabao Cup winners are in advanced talks to sign the 16-year-old after a breakthrough in negotiations.
Amass made Watford’s first-team squad in January when he was still 15 years old.
However, the England under-16 international wants to leave the London club in the summer.
Remaining in the Championship would get Amass a fast-tracked route to first-team football, but he believes training in a top academy will further his development more quickly.
Man United are ready to offer him that chance, and a deal is expected to be wrapped up soon.
Apart from Chelsea, a few top clubs in England have kept tabs on Amass since he broke into the national set-up at St George’s Park in 2021.
He has played regularly for Watford’s under-18s this term and could feature in the Premier League 2 next term.
Man United are convinced Amass has the potential to become a first-team star.
He could be playing for their under-23s next term if he manages to hit the ground running with their under-18s.
Amass won the UEFA Development tournament with England last month.
The Young Lions defeated hosts Cyprus, Scotland and Denmark without conceding a goal to lift the trophy.
The teenage sensation started two of those games, and his attacking prowess caught the eyes.
He could soon be playing senior football having trained regularly with Watford’s big boys.
Man United have Luke Shaw as their first-choice left-back, but Amass could soon start giving the 27-year-old a run for his money if a move to Old Trafford works out.
