Manchester United agree deal to sign teenage defender Socrates

Manchester United have completed the signing of teenager Socrates after a successful trial with the club, per Manchester World. 

The 13-year-old also had trials with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace before the Red Devils secured a deal for him. 

He will move to Manchester from London, where he will also focus on his education. 

Socrates, a product of the Elite London Academy, began his career as a winger but now plays as a centre-back. 

He is reportedly ‘technically gifted, intelligent on the ball, brave in duels and always hungry to learn’. 

United have been focusing on signing young players to nurture them for first-team action. 

They secured the services of Derby County Under-16 goalkeeper Charlie Hardy in October. 

Hardy has played five times for England’s U16s, and he will be eligible to sign a professional contract with Man Utd when he turns 17 next year. 

United are also set to complete a move for Colombian wonderkid Cristian Orozco. 

United have agreed a £755,000 fee with Fortaleza for the exciting midfielder, who will formally join the club after he turns 18 next year. 

He hasn’t made his senior debut for the Brazilian outfit but is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in South America. 

The 17-year-old impressed with his displays for Colombia at the South American Under-17 Championship and the Under-17 World Cup. 

He mainly plays as a defensive midfielder, which is a position United must strengthen. 

Stats from Transfermarkt.