Tahith Chong: Manchester United win Premier League transfer battle for Feyenoord 16-year-old starlet

Manchester United look set to beat Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to secure the services of Feyenoord starlet Tahith Chong, according to reports in the Netherlands. The 16-year-old winger said in January he was ready to snubbed the Premier League giants, but AD.nl and Voetbal International have now reported the player will make the move to the Old Trafford academy.

Chong has been linked with a move to the Premier League since he revealed Manchester United had made an offer for him. He attracted the attention of the club's scouting network during a tournament held at their Trafford Training Centre last summer.

"Feyenoord are and remain my first choice and we are still negotiating," Chong said in January to Fr12.nl "It's true that Manchester United are interested in me, but I want to stay at Feyenoord. There is absolutely no question that I'm leaving the club. Feyenoord have come up with a plan of how they see me in the coming years. I am hopeful that it will be all right and that I'm going to sign a contract with Feyenoord."

AD, however, reported on Tuesday (22 March) that Feyenoord were resigned to losing the 16-year-old versatile winger, as he had changed his mind and was ready to move to England. United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal were all understood to be keen on luring him to their academies.

Hours later, both the Netherlands publication and Voetbal International confirmed that the coveted youngster has made the decision to move to Old Trafford.

AD notes out that Louis van Gaal's compatriot will follow the footsteps of other young Feyenoord youngsters who have moved to English football in recent years, like Chelsea starlet Nathan Ake – who is currently excelling on loan at Watford – or Manchester City Under 18 academy starlet Rodney Kongolo.