Man United 'have included a buyback AND sell-on clause in Zidane Iqbal's £850,000 move to Utrecht'

Manchester United have included a buyback clause in the deal that will see highly-rated youngster Zidane Iqbal move to Eredivisie side FC Utrecht.

The £850,000 transfer also includes a sell-on clause that entitles the club to 40% of his next transfer fee.

Iqbal rose to prominence on the Red Devils pre-season tour last summer but has struggled to break into Erik ten Hag's first team plans and made the squad on 17 occasions without ever coming on.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the club hope their academy graduate can accelerate his development in the Netherlands where he would be expecting to get regular football.

But failing that, in what the outlet says a source close to the club described as a 'no lose situation', United have cashed-in on a player that cost them nothing and could still cash-in again, should a future sale generate a large profit.

Iqbal's new team finished seventh last term, 13 points from European qualification but well clear of the drop. It is hoped the Dutch top-flight will be a better fit for the 20-year-old at this stage of his career after the Premier League was deemed to be beyond his current physical capabilities.

FC Utrecht technical director Jordy Zuidam said: 'Zidane is a very creative midfielder, with a very good understanding of the game. He can intercept balls, uses his body well in duels and is intelligent.

'With his dribbling and passing, he is able to speed up the game. We are very proud that Zidane wants to take the next step in his development at FC Utrecht.'

Fellow homegrown star Kobbie Mainoo is a key beneficiary of the deal as Iqbal's departure creates more space for the 18-year-old to continue his transition into the first team.

The midfielder only made the United bench eight times last season but - unlike Iqbal - did manage to make an appearance in a ten minute cameo against Leicester in February.