Manchester United have agreed a £1m deal for 16-year-old Harley Emsden-James from Southampton.
United will also pay add-ons for the defender while Saints have a 20 per cent sell on. Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea were among the clubs interested in signing the teenager last summer.
The acquisition of Emsden-James is the latest example of United's efforts to poach highly rated talent from other Premier League sides.
His arrival follows the signings of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal last season, who were both handed first-team minutes during the campaign.
Emsden-James got his first taste of Under 18s football during the 2024-25 season, making two appearances despite being only 15-years-old.
He is likely to be part of the Red Devils' U18s squad next term. Given he will not turn 17 until March 2026, it is unlikely he will be handed regular minutes at U21 level.
Meanwhile, in what is expected to be a busy summer for United, the club are continuing talks for Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo after last week's opening offer of £55million was rejected.
The Red Devils were dealt a blow last weekend when reports emerged that Tottenham were entering the race for the 25-year-old.
Mbeumo is seen as a key target for United, who are looking to improve their lacklustre squad after a dreadful campaign. The Red Devils scored just 44 goals in the Premier League, the second lowest of any non-relegated side.