Markus Neumayr, Eintracht Frankfurt's 17-year-old playmaker, claims he is poised to become the first German player signed by Manchester United.
Neumayr first caught the eye of Manchester United at an Under-16 tournament in Italy.
He had originally committed his future to Frankfurt until 2006 but the board decided not to stand in the player's way when United came knocking.
He was given a trial at Old Trafford last October and was swept off his feet.
Neumayr has no doubts whatsoever that the move will go ahead and claimed 'everything is settled'.
Eintracht Frankfurt vice-president Klaus Lotzbeier also believes the move will happen but is a little more cautious.
He told PA International: 'I can confirm that Manchester United have expressed big interest in him. It's not a done deal yet but a contract will be signed once the English law allows this to happen.'
Lotzbeier added: 'We hate to lose such a big talent like him but of course we shouldn't stand in the way.'
Neumayr was made to feel welcome at Old Trafford - 'the stars really care about the youngsters and Ferguson is nice too' - and United's impressive youth programme, which has produced stars like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Wes Brown and John O'Shea, went a long way to convincing him to make the switch.
'In German soccer people usually rely on experienced and tested players rather than giving youngsters a chance to shine but Alex Ferguson gives young players a chance,' he said.
According to Eintracht's youth co-ordinator Holger Muller, Neumayr is 'a mixture of Tomas Rosicky and Andreas Moller' and has 'strong character and huge potential'.
Bernd Stober, Neumayr's Germany Under 17 coach, said: 'His (Neumayr's) technical abilities, his grasp and his intelligence on the pitch are remarkable.'
.............................................
Anyone seen him play??? and no iam not asking the ChampManager posse.
Neumayr first caught the eye of Manchester United at an Under-16 tournament in Italy.
He had originally committed his future to Frankfurt until 2006 but the board decided not to stand in the player's way when United came knocking.
He was given a trial at Old Trafford last October and was swept off his feet.
Neumayr has no doubts whatsoever that the move will go ahead and claimed 'everything is settled'.
Eintracht Frankfurt vice-president Klaus Lotzbeier also believes the move will happen but is a little more cautious.
He told PA International: 'I can confirm that Manchester United have expressed big interest in him. It's not a done deal yet but a contract will be signed once the English law allows this to happen.'
Lotzbeier added: 'We hate to lose such a big talent like him but of course we shouldn't stand in the way.'
Neumayr was made to feel welcome at Old Trafford - 'the stars really care about the youngsters and Ferguson is nice too' - and United's impressive youth programme, which has produced stars like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Wes Brown and John O'Shea, went a long way to convincing him to make the switch.
'In German soccer people usually rely on experienced and tested players rather than giving youngsters a chance to shine but Alex Ferguson gives young players a chance,' he said.
According to Eintracht's youth co-ordinator Holger Muller, Neumayr is 'a mixture of Tomas Rosicky and Andreas Moller' and has 'strong character and huge potential'.
Bernd Stober, Neumayr's Germany Under 17 coach, said: 'His (Neumayr's) technical abilities, his grasp and his intelligence on the pitch are remarkable.'
.............................................
Anyone seen him play??? and no iam not asking the ChampManager posse.
