Manchester United Transfer News: Nick Powell to Reportedly Join Red Devils

After numerous rumors linking Manchester United to talented young forward Nick Powell of Crewe Alexandra, the Mirror is reporting that the Red Devils have signed the 18-year-old:

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TRANSFER: Manchester United have signed Nick Powell. POW!

— MirrorFootball (@MirrorFootball) June 12, 2012"

According to Mark Ogden of the Telegraph, Crewe will receive a League One record £4 million for the transfer, with that number set to increase up to £6 million depending on Powell's performance.

While it was thought originally that Manchester United might loan Powell back to Crewe after the transfer, Alex manager Steve Davis dismissed those claims (via BBC Sport):

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"One thing I can confirm is that he won't be coming back here on loan," he said.

"That wouldn't be part of it because we want to bring in a replacement of our own and give our own players, such as [fellow England Under-18 forward] Max Clayton, a chance."

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Sir Alex Ferguson will likely use Powell sparingly as a central midfielder or at the center-forward position in Manchester United's 4-4-1-1 formation. Powell netted 16 goals in 45 appearances for Crewe this past season and is a member of England's U-18 international squad, so he has chops.

For Manchester United fans hoping for an immediate impact in the transfer window, this isn't it. But it is a fantastic move for the future, as he has earned comparisons to Steven Gerrard. And as one of the brightest young talents in England, he'll certainly be expected to carry the torch for United in years to come.

Ultimately, this is an excellent signing for the Red Devils' future and a hit for other Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Everton that were thought to be hot on the trail of Powell. As they say, the rich get richer.

And in this case, they get younger as well.

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