Manchester United set to sign highly-rated teenage full-back

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Manchester United are set to sign Barnsley star Mason Holgate after the defender completed a successful trial.

According to the Daily Star, the 18-year-old had a three-day trial with the Red Devils, where he impressed the coaches enough to win a move to Old Trafford.

The English newspaper state that Swansea City had also been interested in the youngster; however, it looks like they will be beaten to his signature.

United are going to make a £1 million move for the teenager, the Daily Star believe.

Louis van Gaal has already signed Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Memphis Depay, and Matteo Darmian this summer [via Sky Sports] – and Holgate could be the fifth arrival.

However, in contrast to the four new additions, the full-back is unlikely to head straight in to the first-team.

Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian, and Rafael da Silva can already play on the flanks of the back-line at the Theatre of Dreams, and Holgate will therefore likely have to impress in the reserves before being awarded his chance by van Gaal.

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The Red Devils are expected to still chase more signings this summer, with van Gaal having stated his belief that there are two positions that require strengthening [The Guardian].

The two areas could be up front and in goal – as both may be short on numbers next season.

Between the sticks, Victor Valdes has been told that he will be sold [Goal.com] as a consequence of a refusal to play in the Under-21s, while David De Gea has been heavily linked to Real Madrid [talkSPORT].

Meanwhile, Robin van Persie recently signed for Fenerbahce [BBC Sport] and Radamel Falcao left Manchester after his season-long loan deal expired in May [BBC Sport] – therefore leaving Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez as the only senior forwards in the squad.

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