Manchester United to sign Swiss wunderkind Nishan Burkart

Manchester United is on the verge of signing FC Zurich's teenage strike sensation Nishan Burkart, according to the Swiss Super League club's president Ancillo Canepa.

"Our U16 player Nishan Burkart's family have decided to move their son to Manchester United," Canepa told Swedish newspaper Blick, according to Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas. Nishan's father Stefan confirmed his son will join United's academy in the summer.

The highly coveted forward attracted interest from several other marquee Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Swiss under-16 international's departure from Zurich is not without controversy, with Stefan critical of the club's decision to stop fielding the forward.

"This reaction by Mr. Canepa has disappointed us. We would have liked a more dignified exit. It makes me feel as if he is offended. He could indeed be proud," he said.

Stefan added, "It has affected my son. Now, however, he no longer suffers. He is looking forward to Man United."

Canepa defended the decision to bench Nishan amid transfer speculation, saying, "Here we are concerned with the squad planning for next season. We want the place already to make a player available who will play next season, but Nishan continues to participate in team training."