Manchester United locked in talks to sign Championship defender

Manchester United have reportedly opened negotiations with Stoke City as they seek to secure the signature of defender Nathan Collins this summer.

The teenager was only handed his league debut at the beginning of April and he went on to make just three appearances for the Potters in the Championship.

Despite this, he has been highly-rated within the Potters setup and former United star Darren Fletcher is understood to have recommended the 18-year-old to the Red Devils.

According to The Sun, United have made a formal approach to pursue the young centre-back but they are set to face competition in the form of Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.

Collins, who has two years left on his existing deal with the Championship club, made 15 appearances in the Premier League 2 during the 2018/19 campaign.

United have placed an emphasis on pursuing young British talents this summer and so far, they have landed the signatures of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Swansea City and Crystal Palace respectively.