Manchester United transfer news: Reece James has joined Wigan Athletic on a three-year deal

Manchester United defender Reece James has joined League One side Wigan Athletic on a three-year deal.

"Reece James has joined Wigan Athletic on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee," a statement on United's official site read.

The 21-year-old defender signed his first professional contract with the Red Devils in 2012, but came to prominence in 2014, when he starred on his debut during United's pre-season tour of the US against LA Galaxy.

This prompted Louis van Gaal to include the young defender in the first-team squad for the opening game of the season. James eventually made his first-team debut for the 20-time English champions during their 3-0 loss to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup, which was to be his sole appearance in the senior squad.

The young defender, who is primarily a left-back, and can also operate higher up the pitch on the wings, spent time on loan with Rotherham and Huddersfield Town during the 2014/15 campaign.

Wigan manager Gary Caldwell is delighted at James's capture despite interest from other clubs and is confident that the young United academy graduate can strengthen the left side of the Lactics's defence.

"Reece is a young player with a bright future. He has been schooled by one of the best academies around and has impressed both at Under 21 level and whilst on loan," Caldwell told Wigan's official site.

"He is another who will strengthen competition on that left side, and has played as a full-back, or in a wing back role. Once again, there were clubs after him so we're delighted to add him to the squad," the Lactics boss added.

James's move to the DW Stadium makes him the eighth United player to depart this summer following the exits of Robin van Persie, Nani, Saidy Janko, Ben Amos, Tom Cleverley, Tom Thorpe and Will Keane.