Sky Sports understands that Manchester United are in pole position to seal the signing Crewe starlet Nick Powell.
Crewe starlet heading for Old Trafford
Sky Sports understands that Manchester United are in pole position to seal the signing Crewe starlet Nick Powell.
United are one of four Premier League sides that Sky Sports understand have held talks with Crewe with the others being Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton.
A proposed bid from Manchester City has never materialised, and now United are firm favourites.
Dynamic forward Powell, 18, had a hugely impressive campaign for Alex - helping them to promotion to League One via the play-offs.
Powell and his representatives are believed to have met all interested parties, but United are firmly heading the chase.
Sky Sports has been told the deal is '90 per cent' done and that barring any last-minute issues United will tie up a deal.
It is also understood that the deal could be worth as much as £8million based on appearances and achievments.
Talks ongoing
Crewe boss Steve Davis admitted talks were ongoing over Powell's future.
"Nick is still with us, but I am sure talks are still ongoing with his agent
and clubs," Davis told Crewe's official website.
"These things take time and rightly so because all parties have to be satisfied with any deal.
"I still envisage him leaving us this summer, but if it doesn't happen then we would welcome him back for pre-season.
"We'll see what happens this week because obviously I would like to know as soon as possible if we are moving forward without him or not."
The move away from Crewe would be final for Powell, with Davis ruling out the
prospect of an immediate loan return being part of any transfer deal.
He added: "One thing I can confirm is that he won't be coming back here on
loan.
"That wouldn't be part of it because we want to bring in a replacement of our
own and give our own players, such as (fellow England Under-18 forward) Max
Clayton, a chance."