Manchester United prospect set to join Leeds on permanent deal

Leeds United are close to signing teenager Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher from Manchester United on a permanent transfer.

The 17-year-old moved to the Red Devils from Sheffield United but is set to make a return to Yorkshire after dropping down the pecking order in the Manchester United Under-18s.

Ibrovic-Fletcher was born in Leeds but has already been capped at youth level by Serbia.

The Manchester Evening News report that the attack-minded midfielder has been tracked by Leeds since before the winter transfer window opened.

Now a deal is close to being agreed, with Ibrovic-Fletcher set to go into the academy set-up at Elland Road.

The teenager has made seven appearances for Manchester United’s Under-18s, but has not been picked of late, missing out in the last six games for Darren Fletcher’s side.

Ibrovic-Fletcher joins a number of Manchester United academy talents in leaving the club on transfer deadline day, although others are departing on loan.

Striker Ethan Wheatley returned from a loan spell at Northampton Town in January and has headed back out on loan to Bradford City for the rest of the season.

A Manchester United statement included: ‘After showing his potential at League One level already with Northampton, the agreement with Bradford offers fresh challenges to the England Under-20 international.’

‘I am buzzing,’ said the 20-year-old forward. ‘We have been in discussions for quite a while and I am excited to get the deal done and hopefully help the lads for the rest of the season.

‘I hope I can add to the side after the strong start they have made and score goals. The last couple of months at Northampton, I grew as a player, and I want to continue doing that here.’

There are also moves for prospects Jacob Devaney, Gabriele Biancheri and James Scanlon, who are all departing on loan.

Devaney joins St Mirren, Biancheri goes to Rotherham and Scanlon heads to Swindon for the rest of the season.