Man Utd pip Chelsea to England starlet – Romano

Tom Hancock

• 26 Jun 2023 20:22 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are set to beat Chelsea to the signature of England U16 international Harry Amass.

The prodigious Watford left-back – who only turned 16 last month – has yet to make a professional appearance for the Championship outfit, but Premier League clubs have been battling out to secure his services.

And it seems that a deal for Amass to join Man Utd is all but complete – with Fabrizio Romano reporting earlier today (June 26) that he will sign a four-year contract at Old Trafford.

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Further to Romano’s report, according to The Athletic, United and Watford are in the process of negotiating a compensation fee for Amass – who made his England youth debut aged 14, featuring for the Three Lions’ U15 side.

Amass was a regular for Watford’s U18s in 2022/23, helping them reach the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

He was also named in the Hornets’ first-team matchday squad for January’s FA Cup third round tie against Reading – while still just 15.

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The Sancho connection

Losing Amass will deal another blow to Watford, who have already seen one of their most exciting young prospects depart for pastures new this month: England U18 forward Adrian Blake joined Eredivisie outfit Utrecht, having been tracked by Tottenham.

Incidentally, Man Utd have also lost one of their own hotshots to Utrecht: Zidane Iqbal – who made one senior appearance for the 13-time Premier League champions – finalised his move today.

Amass wouldn’t be the first player to sign for United after spending time in Watford’s youth ranks: a certain Jadon Sancho started out with the Hertfordshire club before being snapped up by Manchester City aged 14.