Manchester United are ready to swoop for highly rated Stoke defender Nathan Collins, according to the Daily Mail.

The 18-year-old only made his Potters' debut in April when he came off the bench against Swansea, but it appears his three league appearances have been enough to convince the United hierarchy to pursue a deal.

The report claims that Collins was recommended to United by former Stoke midfielder Darren Fletcher, who would have been keeping a close eye on the defender's progress in the club's development squad.

It appears the Old Trafford outfit have now earmarked Collins as a long-term solution to their defensive problems, with a number of United's first-team players expected to be shipped out this summer.

Here, we discuss the potential deal in our latest Six Point Opinion...

What has he done this season to earn United's interest?

"Collins has made excellent progress since arriving at the bet365 Stadium from Cherry Orchard in 2017, with his breakthrough into the Stoke first-team at the age of 18 representing the quality he possesses.

"The Irish youngster has been a fixture for Stoke's U23 side in Premier League 2 this season, while his commanding performances have also led to him taking on the captain's armband towards the end of the season.

"Stoke boss Nathan Jones has been keen to promote youth since his arrival at the club, and this has worked in Collins' favour as he was able to then impress in his three appearances for the first team at the back end of the season."

Is he capable of making an immediate impact in the top-flight?

"United's defensive troubles have been well-documented in recent years, but it may just be too much of an ask for Collins to immediately help resolve the issues.

"The likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly will inevitably be ahead of Collins in the pecking order, but a string of departures could present Collins with his opportunity sooner than he may think.

"It is likely he will initially use the Old Trafford experience to enhance his playing style before he can start thinking about making the step up into the senior squad."

Where will he fit in at United?

"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's early transfer plans have revealed that United are clearly placing a focus on their recruitment of youth this summer, with the Red Devils also lining up a move for Swansea's Daniel James.

"Given that Solskjaer has been tasked with overseeing the long-term future of United, it is likely that these pursuits are being made with the respective players' potential ability firmly in mind.

"It seems probable that Collins will play for the Under 23s and embark on at least one loan spell before he makes the first-team grade at Old Trafford."

What sort of fee would be involved?

"It is being reported that Stoke will place a £7million asking price on Collins if United want to try and lure him away from the Potters.

"This would be a considerable cash injection for Stoke, who will be looking to balance the books following a heavy investment in players last summer. And given that Collins has only made three appearances, his presence would not exactly be missed by the senior side.

"Stoke will not have many regrets about offloading Collins if he is capable of generating this kind of fee, but it could eventually be even higher if he remains at Stoke for another season."

What qualities does he possess to have attracted United?

"He possesses a range of playing qualities that could lead to him becoming a central figure for United in the coming years, while his leadership skills are an added bonus.

"His positional sense is excellent for an 18-year-old, and this will only improve during his experiences at Old Trafford.

"Collins is also naturally strong and commanding in the air, which are traits that United scouts will be searching for after their trouble with set-pieces last season. He could end up being an answer to United's problems."

Would he be missed by Stoke?

"Fans would have been hopeful of seeing a lot more of Collins next season, especially given Jones' interest in giving the club's youth players a chance to impress.

"However, it took Collins until April to break into the Stoke first team, so the Potters will be accepting of his departure if he is able to garner the £7million fee being mentioned.

"But as noted earlier, this fee could be doubled next summer if Collins is given an extended run in the Stoke side next season. The Potters should put a lot of consideration into this one."