United In Talks For Crewe's Powell

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Crewe's highly rated 18-year-old forward Nick Powell.

The clubs have agreed a £4m fee for Powell, whose representatives are finalising the contract, and United hope to complete a deal this week.

A fee of £2m will be paid immediately, with the rest based on appearances and success at Old Trafford.

Powell is an England Under-18 international and scored 16 goals in 45 matches for Crewe last season.

United are thought to be leading a host of clubs keen to sign Powell, who scored a spectacular goal to open the scoring in last month's 2-0 League Two play-off final victory over Cheltenham at Wembley.

Crewe boss Steve Davis said: "Nick is still with us, but I am sure talks are still ongoing with his agent and clubs.

"I still envisage him leaving us this summer, but if it doesn't happen then we would welcome him back for pre-season. We'll see what happens this week because obviously I would like to know as soon as possible if we are moving forward without him or not."

Davis dismissed the possibility of Powell signing for United and then being loaned back to Alex to gain match experience in League One.

"One thing I can confirm is that he won't be coming back here on loan," he said.

"That wouldn't be part of it because we want to bring in a replacement of our own and give our own players, such as [fellow England Under-18 forward] Max Clayton, a chance."

Who is Nick Powell?
•Born in Crewe in March 1994 and joined his home-town club as a five-year-old.
•He made his first-team debut as a substitute at Cheltenham on 14 August 2010, aged 16.
•Was sent off at Shrewsbury on 20 August 2011.
•Scored his first senior goal against AFC Wimbledon on 15 October 2011.
•Has represented England at Under-16 and 17 level.