Deal close: Forward heading to Manchester United after talks

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Published on:

19 Jan 2016, 2:57 pm

By North-west correspondent Alex Stevens

Manchester United have invited Matthew Knox to a trial in a big to beat their rivals to the Scottish teen sensation, Football Insider sources understand.

Striker Knox, 16, has already had trials at Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton, and been scouted by Chelsea.

But United will lay on the red carpet for highly regarded Knox in a bid to secure a deal in the January transfer window.

Knox became Livingston's youngest ever player when he made his debut with a late run-out in the 4-1 Boxing Day win over St Mirren, coming just four days after his 16th birthday

He was on the bench for Livingston at the weekend as they lost 4-1 to Rangers in the Scottish Championship but travelled to Manchester on Monday and will spend the week at United's Carrington training complex.

Knox's father Matthew has said his son is on the verge of signing for a Premier League club this month.

Knox senior said: "He's had interest from Manchester United and Chelsea and he's been on trials at Spurs, Everton and Liverpool.

Look out for a new name today. 16 year old Matthew Knox has come through the ranks at LFC to earn a spot on the bench at St Mirren.
— Livingston Football Club (@LiviFCOfficial) December 26, 2015

"We've had interest from another club in the last couple of days, and we're pretty close to doing a deal – I can't say who but I think that's where he'll end up."

The trials at the Premier League big hitters have proved to be beneficial to the youngster.

"He scored for Spurs – he actually scored for all the clubs he's been on trial at – but he scored for Spurs in a North London derby [practice match] against Arsenal – and not many 16-year-old kids can say that," his father added.

Knox has been at Livingston since he was 11 after being given his chance by former Celtic and Portsmouth forward Mark Burchill.

Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool FC

Everton FC