Premier League giants Manchester United are interested in signing Stoke City defender Nathan Collins, according to reports from journalist Alan Nixon.

The 18-year old has been an impressive figure in the Potters' academy this season, and was rewarded with a few first-team appearances towards the latter stages of the season under Nathan Jones.

The Irishman played three times for Stoke in the final stages of the campaign, with the central defender making his first league start for the Staffordshire club in a 1-0 defeat against Middlesbrough last month.

Now, Nixon claims that Manchester United are keen on signing the talented defender, with former Red Devils star Darren Fletcher recommending him to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Fletcher is likely to know Collins well having been at the bet365 Stadium for the past two seasons, with the Republic of Ireland under-18 international catching the eye in the youth ranks.

Solskjaer will be looking to change United's transfer approach going into the summer, having already been linked with the signature of Swansea City star Dan James.

The Verdict

Collins really impressed me in his appearances for Stoke during the latter stages of the season, so it comes as no surprise to see him linked with a move to Old Trafford.

There has been talk that Fletcher would return to United as their director of football, but regardless of whether that is official or not, it looks like he is still helping his old club out.

It's a big few years for United, as Solskjaer looks to change the way they go about things in the transfer window after many dismal years of late.