Manchester United have turned down an approach from Championship outfit Stoke City for their academy star Ruben Curley.
According to a report from Football Insider, Manchester United have no intentions of parting ways with Ruben Curley on transfer deadline day. The Red Devils have already turned down an approach from Stoke City to sign their academy graduate.
Curley has been a part of the United youth setup since his childhood days. He has gone up the ranks at some pace and is currently a part of their Under-21 setup. While he has yet to make a first-team appearance, the 19-year-old midfielder is quite highly rated by the people at the club.
In the ongoing season, he has featured in a total of seven Premier League 2 fixtures and has made one appearance for their Under-21s in the EFL Trophy. While he prefers playing as a central midfielder, Curley could even feature in a deeper role when needed.
He has made quite a name for himself at the youth level and there are clubs who are looking to prise him away from Old Trafford. With his current deal running out at the end of the season, Stoke City are looking to add him to their squad before the end of winter transfer window.
Stoke fail with an attempt to sign Curley
They expressed their interest in acquiring his services but the teenager is all set to continue at the Manchester-based club until the end of the season. Stoke didn’t have the best of the first half and they could be involved in a battle for survival in the English second-division.
They seek more quality to ensure they avoid the drop and feel Curley could help their cause. With his contract running out, Stoke thought they had a chance to secure his services. But, United have no intentions of parting ways with him.
Even though he could have a significant amount of game time at the Bet365 Stadium, United want him to stay at Old Trafford until the end of the season. They have an option to extend his stay at the club and will most likely trigger it.
While Stoke’s initial offer has been turned down and United don’t really look keen to move him on, it will be interesting to see if Stoke return with an improved offer before the window slams shut.