Stoke City face a battle to retain the services of youngster Nathan Collins, with Manchester United keeping a close eye on the defender.
Potters boss Nathan Jones is clearly a big fan of the 18-year-old having handed him his Championship debut towards the end of last season and used him regularly during the opening month of the current campaign.
The Republic of Ireland Under-19 international has made five appearances in all competitions and became the youngest captain in the club’s history when wearing the armband for the Carabao Cup win at Wigan in August.
His performances for Stoke are reportedly being tracked closely by United, and it was recommended they take a look at Collins by ex-Red Devils and Potters midfielder Darren Fletcher after he left the bet365 Stadium at the end of last season.
United were linked with a move during the summer transfer window but were knocked back by Stoke.
However, that has not put then off and, according to ESPN FC, they are continuing to track his progress with a view to making a second attempt to land him down the line.
The Old Trafford giants have switched tact in the transfer market by going for young, up-and-coming talent, such as summer signings Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Collins would fit their requirements.
