MEN Sport understands that Cardiff City striker Gabriele Biancheri is set to join Manchester United imminently.
The 16-year-old centre forward has progressed through the ranks in South Wales and managed to make his mark in December 2022. Biancheri was introduced off the bench for the Bluebirds during a defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers' U21s.
At the time, Wales Online claimed that the Welshman had earned the opportunity to play further up the age level thanks to his performances with the U16s where he scored 17 goals in 11 matches. This season, Biancheri has continued his progression adding seven goals in 12 games.
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The Manchester Evening News has taken a closer look below at United's newest recruit below.
What type of player is Biancheri?
Cardiff's teenager has previously been described as being a 'pacy, sharp and dynamic forward' who can play across the front line, as well as in the number ten role. This flexibility is one of the key characteristics Erik ten Hag looks for in a new recruit, so it is no surprise that the Dutchman has targeted the teenager.
Does Biancheri have international experience?
With a goalscoring record like the one which the teen has amassed, it will not come as a shock that Wales have introduced him into their national team set-up. So far, Biancheri has been capped on three occasions for the Welsh U17s, grabbing an assist against Croatia in European Championship qualifiers.
How will United have discovered Biancheri?
The forward has to date had a pretty low profile on the footballing stage but a member of staff at United does know the striker well. David Hughes, who is now a development coach at the Reds, was Cardiff's academy manager for a year between July 2021 and July 2022.
Hughes will have likely given United all the information about Biancheri's qualities.
When should United fans expect to see Biancheri make the first team?
Biancheri's potential is high but United supporters may have to be patient before they see him make it in the Reds' first team squad. MEN Sport understands that he will become a scholar at the club before signing a long-term professional contract in September when he turns 17.
Ten Hag has shown through Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo that he is willing to give youth a chance so United fans should see him feature at Old Trafford if he proves himself.
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