Sources: Rico Browne ‘jumps at chance’ to join Man United after Tottenham offer rejected
Man United are keeping close tabs on Birmingham City starlet Rico Browne, sources have told Football Insider.
The centre-back, 19, has been on the radar of the Premier League elite after impressing at the Championship club.
He captains Birmingham Under-21s and the second-tier outfit are keen to extend his contract, which expires in the summer.
His potential availability has alerted United, who are keeping close tabs on Browne and are compiling an extensive dossier on him.
Football Insider understands that Browne underwent a West Ham trial in 2021 and Spurs have also verbally offered an 18-month contract to him.
But he opted to stay at St Andrew’s and sign a new deal.
Browne would “jump at the chance” to join United, sources say, if they have a clear plan for his development.
The starlet has played regularly for Birmingham’s Under-21 side in the Professional Development League this season after returning from a serious injury sustained at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.
Browne, who has turned out at youth level for St Kitts and Nevis, is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Blues.
Man United already have a number of impressive youngsters in their Under-21 ranks, including Teden Mengi and Kobbie Mainoo – who have already turned out for the first team.
Shola Shoretire, Zidane Iqbal and Anthony Elanga are also among the recent graduates from the club’s esteemed academy.
United’s Under-21 side, which is managed by Mark Dempsey, play in the first division of Premier League 2 – but are not as successful as rivals Man City.
Birmingham’s senior side are close to staving off the threat of relegation from the Championship with seven games remaining of the 2022-23 campaign.
In other news, major update on Tottenham bid to sign Man United star.