Manchester United seal third new signing this week in triple transfer raid

The 16-year-old has penned initial scholarship terms at Old Trafford after leaving rivals Manchester City this summer and reportedly agreed on a long-term professional deal for when he turns 17.

Eze - who was born in Dublin but has played for England at Under-16 and Under-17 level - follows the same path as fellow midfielder Karim Cassim, whose own switch to Man Utd after departing City was confirmed earlier this week.

Tyler and Jack Fletcher - twin sons of former United star and current U18s head coach Darren Fletcher - are among the other youngsters to have swapped City’s academy for United in recent years.

“Talented youngster David Eze has joined Manchester United,” the club said in an official statement released on Saturday.

“The central midfielder has joined the club after leaving Manchester City.

“The 16-year-old, who progressed through the academy system at City, has also been capped by England at youth level.

“Everyone wishes David the best of luck at United and welcomes him to the club.”

United’s youth recruitment drive comes amid their ongoing battle to keep hold of 15-year-old sensation JJ Gabriel, who stunned the club earlier this month by informing them of his desire to leave with immediate effect.

Gabriel - a much-hyped prospect nicknamed ‘Kid Messi’ who is viewed as one of the best young talents in Europe - is understood to be wanted by the likes of Real Madrid, though Barcelona sporting director Deco surprisingly revealed this week that there was no interest in taking the player to the Camp Nou.