Manchester United in talks over Shola Shoretire contract as January plans revealed

Manchester United are in preliminary talks with Shola Shoretire over a new contract as they plan a loan exit for him in the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old is eager to leave the club on loan this month after a tough couple of years that have seen him overtaken in the United pecking order by other academy graduates.

Shoretire made his senior debut at the age of just 17 and holds the record as the youngest player to represent United in European competition.

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However, he has found first-team opportunities hard to come by and a loan exit is viewed as the right next step for Shoretire to gain valuable experience and continue his growth in the professional game.

The Manchester Evening News understands Shoretire received interest from Championship clubs and abroad last summer and is attracting plenty of attention again this month.

A permanent exit this year also can't be ruled out and United are eager for the teenager to sign a new deal before any potential loan move in order to protect his value in case he is sold.

Shoretire was given his first-team debut by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer against Newcastle in February 2021 and four days after that game, he was handed another appearance from the bench against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

United shelved plans to send Shoretire out on loan in the final days of the summer transfer window in 2022 after Erik ten Hag indicated he wanted to keep the forward around for the time being.

He spent six months on loan with League One side Bolton last season, making 16 appearances but has found himself back playing academy football in the first half