Manchester United 'locked in battle to sign Nathan Collins'

Manchester United will reportedly have to fight off competition from Werder Bremen in order to sign Stoke City's teenage defender Nathan Collins in this summer's transfer window.

The 18-year-old was handed his league debut for Stoke at the start of April and went on to make three Championship appearances for the Potters before the end of last season.

Collins has reportedly been recommended to the Red Devils by former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who watched the youngster during his time at the bet365 Stadium.

According to The Sun, United are trailing the youngster ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. However, Werder Bremen are also said to be firmly in the hunt for the former Republic of Ireland Under-17 international.

Collins, who still has two years left to run on his contract with Stoke, appeared on 15 occasions in the Premier League 2 during the 2018-19 campaign.

United have already completed deals for Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer as the rebuild at Old Trafford starts to take shape.