Manchester United will reportedly need FIFA approval to finalise the signing of a teenage wonderkid, with the proposed move being held up by the governing body. The Red Devils have already welcomed two new faces to Old Trafford after completing the signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.
They are reportedly trying to follow up with the capture of Australian teenager James Overy but face a battle to get the deal ratified by FIFA and the Premier League. The young defender has been offered a contract but will be unable to play for United while the move is being probed, according to The Sun.
Overy joined non-league Newton Abbot in March after his family relocated to England and has impressed for the South West Peninsula League minnows. However, he is not allowed to join another club within 16 weeks as this would be considered a ‘bridge transfer’ under FIFA rules.
United reportedly tried to sign Overy before the end of that timeframe, with the agreement now being delayed until the finer details are cleared. It is said that his family have already found a house in a Cheshire suburb, but they are facing a wait to discover if his move to United will be approved.
Red Devils bosses will be desperate for FIFA and the Premier League to give the green light to the proposed move in order to put the saga to bed. Overy was previously targeted by the likes of Everton and West Ham, but United only showed an interest in signing him following his move to England.
United are thought to be chasing a number of additional signings, with Erik ten Hag eager to improve his squad before the Premier League resumes. He is said to have a keen interest in reuniting with Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, who played under the Dutch manager during his time at Ajax.
Spain midfielder Dani Olmo is also believed to be a target for United after helping La Roja to win Euro 2024 with three goals at the tournament. Manuel Ugarte is another name to have been linked with the Red Devils but it remains to be seen if they can agree a transfer fee with Paris Saint-Germain.
Jarrad Branthwaite, meanwhile, is no longer thought to be on United’s shortlist after they saw two bids rejected by Everton. It is said that he is expected to remain at Goodison Park after the Toffees agreed to sell Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for around £50million.
