Manchester United 'close to securing' transfer for EFL wonder kid with record-breaking dad

Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Ipswich Town's young star, Silva Mexes. The Red Devils have been known for their focus on youth development in the past and it seems they have found another promising player in 14-year-old Mexes.

According to The Secret Scout, United are nearing a deal for the youngster. Mexes has been watched by all the top Premier League clubs while playing for Ipswich, but it looks like he will choose to join Manchester United this summer. Kieran McKenna, the current manager at Ipswich and former assistant coach to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United, could be a big influence on Mexes' decision. He has already brought United academy graduates Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams to Ipswich this season.

Tuanzebe, who made 37 senior appearances and had loan spells at Aston Villa, Stoke City and Napoli before joining Ipswich last summer, could provide valuable advice to Mexes on how to succeed at Manchester United. Williams is still part of the team and was doing well on loan in East Anglia before an injury at the end of 2023 stopped him from playing.

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Tuanzebe and Williams are just two of 249 young players who have made their first appearance for United's senior team. The club has included at least one such player in every matchday squad for the last 85 years. Omari Forson became the latest young player to make his first appearance for the senior team when he replaced Marcus Rashford in January's 2-0 FA Cup win at Wigan Athletic.

The next player to graduate will be the 250th