MANCHESTER UNITED STARS SHOCKED CLUB'S FASTEST PLAYER HASN'T BEEN GIVEN PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT

Manchester United's first-team are reportedly surprised that a youngster who proved himself to be the fastest player at the club hasn't been tied down to a professional deal yet.

Forward Deji Sotona was clocked at a speed of 22.9mph when he took part in tests with the first-team in September, and he became eligible for a professional contract when he turned 17 in December.


But five months on he is still regarded as a scholar by the club, meaning that he could be approached by other sides who would offer him a tempting first pro deal.

Sotona - who has played youth football for the Republic of Ireland - is seemingly highly thought of at the club, who have often been patient when it comes to rewarding their young players with their first professional deal. Left-back Brandon Williams, for example, had to wait seven months after his 17th birthday to sign his.

But with clubs in Germany said to be monitoring Sotona's situation, they could potentially consider a move to make him the latest player spirited away from English football to the Bundesliga, according to a report from The Athletic.

The effect of the coronavirus on the transfer market this summer is likely to see clubs pursuing bargain signings from around continent, and Sotona could fall into that category.

The forward has been a regular in the Under-18 Premier League this season, while he also netted United's winner in their FA Youth Cup clash against Wigan at Old Trafford in February.

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer known to favour promoting the young players at United it could be that Sotona is eventually offered a deal and could potentially get closer to the first-team next season.

But the teenager will also be eyed by clubs on the continent, and could face a tough decision on his future.