Manchester United news: Red Devils hand French wonderkid Aliou Traore his first professional contract
Young midfielder only officially joined the academy a month ago but the Red Devils have quickly tied him down
MANCHESTER UNITED have tied down hot prospect Aliou Traore to his first professional contract.
The 17-year-old midfielder, who has been likened to Paul Pogba, only joined the academy last month.
But the club have wasted no time in ensuring that rivals clubs didn't pip the Red Devils to his signature just a day after his birthday.
The youngster has been training with the Red Devils since the summer but only officially joined Nicky Butt's academy on December 3.
A player formerly of French giants Paris Saint-Germain, coaches at the club couldn't ignore Traore's exciting talent and believe he could rise to the very top.
Butt, United's Head of Academy, told the club's official site: "Aliou is a tremendously gifted young player and we are all delighted to see him sign his first professional contract at Manchester United.
“Aliou will naturally need time to adapt, but he has an exciting future ahead of him and we are all looking forward to seeing his performances for the Under-18s in the second half of this season.”
Meanwhile United are pushing on to strengthen their first team and have eyed up Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
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The 22-year-old, has emerged as one of the leading attacking midfielders on the market after bursting onto the scene last season.
United are interested in signing Milinkovic-Savic because of his creativity — and a January arrival could yet happen, as he will be available for the Champions League.