Man United set to fail in bid to sign Brighton and Hove Albion all-action prodigy Darius Lane – Man United News and Transfer News

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Brighton and Hove Albion have reportedly been successful in their bid to fend off bids from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea for their young prodigy Darius Lane.

HITC can reveal that both United and Chelsea were interested in taking Lane off Brighton’s hands as part of their efforts to bolster their respective academies.

“Teenage starlet Darius Lane has attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, but sources have told HITC that Brighton have done enough to keep hold of the American midfielder.”

“Sources have told HITC that the 16-year-old midfielder – who has been training with the US Olympic team – is ready to commit his future to The Seagulls.”

“There has been strong interest from both Chelsea and United, who have both tried to improve his academy recently, but he will remain on the South Coast.”

Lane also had admirers outside England.

Ligue 1 duo Lyon and Marseille are also believed to be interested in adding the promising midfielder to their squad.

Last week, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Lane will sign his first professional contract later this year, once he turns 17.

It’s worth noting that while he has trained with the US national team, Lane is also eligible to play for England and France.

🔵🇺🇸 Brighton’s Darius Lane, 16, is set to sign a professional contract at 17, with the deal set to be completed later this year.

Lane was named to the U.S. Olympic training squad; he is also eligible to represent France and England. photo.twitter.com/IN3r9Unwi3

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2024

In February, the BBC spoke to a high-profile scout, who named Lane as one of the Premier League academy players to watch.

The scout said: “Brighton’s Darius Lane is another name to watch. He’s a French-American central midfielder and has just been called up to represent America.”

“He’s a box-to-box player, with an all-action style, and another who I think has a great opportunity to succeed if Brighton give him the path.”

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