Man United set to beat Chelsea to Watford starlet Harry Amass

Manchester United look to have stolen a march on Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race for Watford starlet Harry Amass.

According to the Evening Standard, the 16-year-old sensation could soon be on his way to Manchester following a breakthrough in negotiations between United and Watford. 

Amass has caught the eye following a string of impressive performances in the Hornets’ youth set-up that earned him a call-up to the first team in January as a 15-year-old.

However, rather than continuing his development in Watford’s academy, the youngster wants to join the Premier League club, where he feels his development would be accelerated. 

The left-back and his representatives are now in advanced talks with United and a move could soon be completed in a blow to Chelsea, who have also been monitoring the starlet’s development.

Amass has been tracked by the Red Devils since breaking into the national set-up at St George’s Park in 2021. 

He is one of the youngest regular starters in the Hornets Under-18s side under Charlie Daniels and has represented England at youth level.

The English prodigy also won silverware for England at the UEFA Development tournament just last month and has featured for the Watford academy in the FA Youth Cup this season.

Targeting young English players has been part of United’s academy strategy since Brexit, which prevents deals for non-United Kingdom players under 18.

United snapped up Gabriele Biancheri from Cardiff City at the end of the January transfer window, with the youngster earning a long-term professional deal when he turned 17 in September.

Amass, who turned 16 earlier in March, would join United’s Under-18s squad for the 2023/24 campaign.