Wednesday 13 January 2016 17:04, UK
Manchester United academy graduate Ben Pearson has joined Preston on a permanent basis after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for the youngster.
The 21-year-old - a former winner of the club's coveted Jimmy Murphy Player of the Year award - played for United's U21s against Tottenham last week after returning from a loan spell with Barnsley.
The Oldham-born midfielder joined United at the age of nine but has now signed a two-and-a-half year contract at Deepdale where he will wear the No 4 shirt.
Pearson has played in England youth teams from U16 through to U20 level and will be reunited with former United youngster Sam Johnstone who joined Preston on loan earlier this month.
Preston boss Simon Grayson said: "We knew about Ben whilst he was at Manchester United and he was the right age to go out and get some games and we have kept our eye on him whilst he has been at Barnsley.
"He's at the right age; wants to go and make a good career in the game and we are delighted that we have been backed by the owner to spend the money to bring Ben here and also delighted he has come here and committed his future to being a Championship player and beyond."
