Manchester United have reportedly agreed in principle a new long-term deal with highly-talented young defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah.
The 18-year-old impressed last season as he made 10 appearances in the first team under Louis van Gaal, and it had appeared as though he was set for a promising future at Old Trafford.
However, earlier this summer, there were suggestions that he could be a part of a United clear out under new boss Jose Mourinho, but those concerns have now been put to rest as The Daily Mail report that a new deal is close.
An official announcement is expected in the coming days, and it will certainly be a statement from Mourinho in his continued bid to dismiss the notion that he doesn’t give young players a chance.
While Fosu-Mensah will naturally have to prove his worth to secure a place in the starting line-up, it shows an openness from Mourinho to integrate some young players after eight others including Paddy McNair and Donald Love have been shown the door this summer.
Fosu-Mensah joined the Red Devils from Ajax in 2014, and his versatility could be key this season as he has the ability to play either as a centre-back or a right-back.
Despite the arrival of Eric Bailly and the suggestion that Mourinho is still looking for another defender, the Portuguese tactician will have to rotate his squad this season as he looks to compete on various fronts, and that in turn should allow Fosu-Mensah to continue to secure valuable playing time.