Middlesbrough have announced via their official website that young striker Stephen Walker has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The 17-year-old is being touted as one of the most exciting youngsters to emerge from the academy in recent years, with the forward being linked with a move to Manchester United in recent days.

Walker has five goals from seven U18 appearances this season, and scouts from the Old Trafford giants were impressed with the youngster in Boro’s defeat to United’s young stars earlier in the season.

Middlesbrough have a famed academy, and recent graduates are having an excellent impact upon the first team squad at the Riverside Stadium, with Dael Fry and Marcus Tavernier establishing themselves as first team regulars under Garry Monk this season.

Young Walker took to Twitter to celebrate his new deal, with fans quick to offer their congratulations on Middlesbrough’s latest star…