From ussocceruk.com:
Manchester United have taken US Under-17 defender Jonathan Spector on trial at Old Trafford with a view to snapping up the American starlet.
The 16-year-old from Arlington, Heights, Illinois has arrived in Manchester, and is set to be closely monitored by the United coaching staff who have recently stepped up their scouting of the new blood coming through the ever-improving US system.
Already six feet tall, the American - who is eligible for an EU passport, bypassing complications in gaining a UK Work Permit - is on the books of Sockers FC after arriving from St. Viator High School. He was on target to eventually join the US top-flight, MLS.
However, more recently, Spector has become a member of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, which is the American equivalent of the English FA's Centre of Excellence.
The IMG campus allows the cream of the young American talent to train daily under the guidance of US under-17 head coach John Ellinger and assistant coach John Hackworth, to build on their development in the national team pyramid.
The system has already produced a number of young MLS stars, and now members of the impressive US World Cup squad that includes former residents San Jose striker Landon Donovan and Chicago winger DaMarcus Beasley.
Manchester United have acted promptly with Spector, bringing him over to England to evaluate whether they should capture his signature at this early stage of his career.
Manchester United have taken US Under-17 defender Jonathan Spector on trial at Old Trafford with a view to snapping up the American starlet.
The 16-year-old from Arlington, Heights, Illinois has arrived in Manchester, and is set to be closely monitored by the United coaching staff who have recently stepped up their scouting of the new blood coming through the ever-improving US system.
Already six feet tall, the American - who is eligible for an EU passport, bypassing complications in gaining a UK Work Permit - is on the books of Sockers FC after arriving from St. Viator High School. He was on target to eventually join the US top-flight, MLS.
However, more recently, Spector has become a member of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, which is the American equivalent of the English FA's Centre of Excellence.
The IMG campus allows the cream of the young American talent to train daily under the guidance of US under-17 head coach John Ellinger and assistant coach John Hackworth, to build on their development in the national team pyramid.
The system has already produced a number of young MLS stars, and now members of the impressive US World Cup squad that includes former residents San Jose striker Landon Donovan and Chicago winger DaMarcus Beasley.
Manchester United have acted promptly with Spector, bringing him over to England to evaluate whether they should capture his signature at this early stage of his career.