Man United Complete Signing of Promising Midfielder from Premier League Rivals

• Manchester United have won the race for the signature of highly-rated Brighton youngster Toby Collyer
• Chelsea and West Ham are among the teams who were looking to sign the 18-year-old defensive midfielder
• Reports suggest United completed the signing of Collyer following successful trials at the club's Carrington training base

Man United have reportedly snapped up promising midfielder Toby Collyer from Brighton.

United are understood to have beaten off stiff competition from rivals Chelsea and West Ham to land the signature of the teenage sensation.

The transfer was confirmed by respected Italian journalist and transfer guru, Romano Fabrizio.

"Done deal, Toby Collyer will join Manchester United as contracts have been signed today. Talented midfielder born in 2004 leaves Brighton to join Man United youth team," Fabrizio tweeted.

The Mirror reports the 18-year-old penned a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Theatre of Dreams following his impressive displays during trials at the Carrington training base.

Man United star set to leave this summer after eight years at Old Trafford

Football

Toby Collyer tipped for greatness

United's move for Toby came at a time the young defensive midfielder has been backed for stardom.

According to former Brighton youth coach, Mark Beard, the youngster has the potential to become a "top-class player."

"With Toby, he does so much of the donkey work... he plays like two men sometimes. As defensive midfielders go, and it is quite a disciplined role, he is probably the best in the country at doing it," Beard was quoted saying.

Meanwhile, reports claim Toby received positive recommendations from United's talent spotters before the club made the decision to sign him.

The Red Devils' director of football, John Murtough, is understood to have rubberstamped the transfer, with interim boss Ralf Rangnick also having a say.