Man United makes first 2019 signing

Manchester United have completed their first signing of 2019 after they beat bitter rivals Liverpool to the signing of 14-year-old Norwegian starlet Isak Hansen-Aaroen from Tromso.

The youngster had a trial with Liverpool last year and was pictured wearing the Merseyside outfit’s shirt by a local Norwegian newspaper.

Everton were also understood to be monitoring Hansen-Aaroen’s progress, but Bergens Tidende reports that United have won the race for his signature. Tromso representatives Svein-Morten Johansen and Kristian Hoydal are expected to travel to Manchester to undergo talks with the Red Devils.

Hansen-Aaroen, who is a United supporter, is unable to sign professional terms until he is 16, but a pre-contract agreement can be arranged. The two clubs have already held encouraging talks and are now expected to come to terms over a deal.