- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Both Newcastle United and Sunderland attempted to sign a talented young midfielder who is now set to leave Manchester United for a new challenge.
Eddie Howe is thought to want to add to his midfield options this summer, even if it’s not necessarily a priority signing.
And although they’re in the thick of a manager search right now, Sunderland will still be alert to such opportunities.
That being said, TBR Football understands that north east trio Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland all held talks with Omari Forson, who will leave United on a free at the end of this month.
The 19-year-old, who has been compared to teammate Christian Eriksen on occasion, was named as an ‘exceptional’ talent by United academy director Nick Cox recently.
And despite the club’s best attempts, TBR understands that Forson rejected a late push from Manchester United in order to choose a move to Italy.
Forson told United he would be leaving earlier this month after rejecting numerous contract offers.
Omari Forson rejected moves to Newcastle and Sunderland to choose Monzo in Italy
Having rejected Man United’s advances, TBR sources confirm that Forson has now agreed a four-year deal to move to Italy to join Serie A side Monza.
TBR understands that United made a fresh late move to try and convince Forson that he should stay at Old Trafford.
The club made him what sources describe as a ‘very good’ offer, but he said no once again.
Forson and his camp evidently felt as if a move to Italy was the right choice, which perhaps represents an opportunity to play regular first team football.
The same could probably have been said about Forson’s chances at Sunderland, but without a manager it would have been hard to convince the talented youngster to join.
Perhaps Forson’s Newcastle snub is the biggest surprise, given Howe has shown his willingness to offer opportunities to young players such as Lewis Miley.
And with Tino Livarmento and Lewis Hall both afforded chances towards the end of the season, there’s a strong crop of young players coming through.
Either way, it will be fascinating to see how the Manchester United youngster fares in Italy, playing for a mid-table outfit like Monza.
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