Manchester United at risk of losing record-breaking youngster on free transfer

Manchester United remain hopeful youngster Shola Shoretire will sign a new contract with the club.

Shoretire, 20, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season and it looks increasingly likely the curtains could be brought down on his time spent in Manchester.

However, despite Shoretire's contract expiry date beginning to loom, the Manchester Evening News understands United remain hopeful an agreement can be reached over a new deal.

Shoretire was given his first-team debut by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer against Newcastle in February 2021 before playing in the Europa League just a few days later, an appearance which meant he became the youngest player to appear for the club in European competition.

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Shoretire was just 17 years and 23 days old when breaking the record and that opportunity was recognition of his talent at a time when he was expected to break into the first-team.

The forward joined Bolton Wanderers in January 2023 on a six-month loan in search of regular minutes and made 16 appearances, scoring once and assisting twice.

Last summer, it's understood Shoretire received interest from Championship clubs and abroad, but another loan didn't materialise and he was kept around the academy. Shoretire was in excellent form for the Under-21s at the beginning of the season, contributing nine goals and four assists in 12 appearances, and often wore the captain's armband.

The Newcastle-born lad was keen to leave on loan in the January transfer window and talks opened over a new contract, but an agreement still hasn't been struck.

Shoretire picked up a