MANCHESTER United has agreed a deal to bring in Swiss striker Nishan Burkhart.

    The 16-year-old from FC Zurich has been in talks with United since late last year and informed the Swiss club he will not be signing a professional contract with it and opt to move to Old Trafford instead.

    United turned to Burkhart despite also scouting his international teammate Lorenzo Gonzalez of Servette who is poised to join Manchester City.

    It sees Burkhart as offering greater versatility and senses he has more room for development. The Swiss U16 international has been compared in style to Theo Walcott at Arsenal and has attracted attention from the Gunners plus Chelsea and Southampton.

    Zurich president Ancilo Canepa said: “Nishan Burkart’s family have decided to move him to Manchester United. Therefore we have decided not to use the player. We are concerned with planning for the squad next season.”

    Burkhart, who has already been at Carrington with his parents to meet Ryan Giggs and other United staff, will be joined by Tahith Chong from Feyenoord.(SD-Agencies)