Royal Antwerp have agreed a deal to take Manchester United duo Michael Keane and John Cofie on loan.
Michael Keane and John Cofie to join Antwerp
Royal Antwerp have agreed a deal to take Manchester United duo Michael Keane and John Cofie on loan.
The Belgian club have a long-standing co-operation agreement with United, dating back to 1998, and have signed over 30 players during their collaboration.
Now the well-trodden path of experience is being taken by defender Keane and striker Cofie - both 18.
Highly-rated Cofie was signed by United from Burnley in 2009 when they beat a host of clubs to his signature.
He is yet to make his first-team debut at Old Trafford, unlike Keane - who made his maiden appearance in the Carling Cup earlier this season.
Michael is not to be confused with his brother Will, also a United starlet, but who is not being allowed out on loan after making his Premier League debut this month.
Keane and Cofie will now head across the Channel to link-up with the Belgian outfit.
Fantastic
"It is fantastic that we have in this way the collaboration with Manchester United, these guys are a gain for us and we are very happy with it," Antwerp's sporting director Gunther Hofmans confirmed.
"This gesture of United reflects renewed confidence and goodwill for the future. "
Hofmans warned that neither was guaranteed a starting place, adding: "They must also earn their places in the team.
"The trainer has a core of 25 or so players available, and the best will play."
