Cofie joins Man United
By Suzanne Geldard
Comment | Read Comments (3)
BURNLEY starlet John Cofie has joined Manchester United in a six-year deal.
The Clarets were keen to fend off interest in the 14-year-old, who they hoped would soon be fast-tracked into the first team.
But a host of Premier League clubs have continued to pursue the youngster, who was spotted by the Clarets Youth in Community coaches during a football tournament in Germany last year and immediately snapped up on a schoolboy deal at Turf Moor.
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United had strong competition from rivals including Liverpool, while Chelsea were also reported to be interested, but the Red Devils won the race and Cofie yesterday completed a move to Old Trafford.
Tim Bailey, of sports lawyers Beswicks, the legal representative and spokesman for the Cofie family, said: "John is highly delighted to be joining one of the world's leading clubs.
"He is looking forward to this next step in his football career.
"The interest shown in John from a number of Premiership clubs underlines his recognised ability and potential.
"John is grateful for this opportunity and would like to express his sincere gratitude to everyone at Burnley FC who have supported him over the last FROM BACK PAGE two years, particularly Geoff Taylor and wishes the club every success for the future."
Although the conditions of the deal and details of any compensation awarded to Burnley have not yet been disclosed, I understand the 6ft teenager will now see out the remaining two years of his schoolboy term with United, while the rest of the contract covers his Academy scholarship, leading on to a professional deal.
Cofie, who is of Ghanaen descent but has represented England at youth level, has been widely admired on the youth circuit since arriving at Burnley and has been described as one of the brightest prospects in the English game.
His height and pace are two of his strongest assets, while he also has good ability on the ball.
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By Suzanne Geldard
Comment | Read Comments (3)
BURNLEY starlet John Cofie has joined Manchester United in a six-year deal.
The Clarets were keen to fend off interest in the 14-year-old, who they hoped would soon be fast-tracked into the first team.
But a host of Premier League clubs have continued to pursue the youngster, who was spotted by the Clarets Youth in Community coaches during a football tournament in Germany last year and immediately snapped up on a schoolboy deal at Turf Moor.
advertisement
United had strong competition from rivals including Liverpool, while Chelsea were also reported to be interested, but the Red Devils won the race and Cofie yesterday completed a move to Old Trafford.
Tim Bailey, of sports lawyers Beswicks, the legal representative and spokesman for the Cofie family, said: "John is highly delighted to be joining one of the world's leading clubs.
"He is looking forward to this next step in his football career.
"The interest shown in John from a number of Premiership clubs underlines his recognised ability and potential.
"John is grateful for this opportunity and would like to express his sincere gratitude to everyone at Burnley FC who have supported him over the last FROM BACK PAGE two years, particularly Geoff Taylor and wishes the club every success for the future."
Although the conditions of the deal and details of any compensation awarded to Burnley have not yet been disclosed, I understand the 6ft teenager will now see out the remaining two years of his schoolboy term with United, while the rest of the contract covers his Academy scholarship, leading on to a professional deal.
Cofie, who is of Ghanaen descent but has represented England at youth level, has been widely admired on the youth circuit since arriving at Burnley and has been described as one of the brightest prospects in the English game.
His height and pace are two of his strongest assets, while he also has good ability on the ball.
link
exactly what i thought