MANCHESTER UNITED face a battle to get Aussie whizkid James Overy registered and his transfer cleared.
The right-back — 17 this year — has been offered a deal at Old Trafford, as we first revealed, and he and his family have found a house in a Cheshire suburb favoured by top players.
However, Overy has not been able to play for United while the Premier League and Fifa both look at his transfer.
Overy — who can play as an attacking wing-back — joined non-league side Newton Abbot Spurs in March when his family moved from Perth to England to live.
And under Fifa rules, the teenager was not allowed to join any other club within 16 weeks as this would be regarded as a ‘bridge transfer’.
United tried to sign Overy within that period and the agreement is now being delayed although they had no history with the player before he came on trial.
Everton and West Ham had previously looked at the defender but United only showed an interest when he was in the country.
Red Devils chiefs will now hope that Overy is allowed to join them with Fifa approval — but he cannot officially be transferred until the small details are cleared.
It comes as 18-year-old Leny Yoro shone in his first appearance for United – just 48 hours after his £50million arrival from Lille.
The French centre-back was joined by winger Jadon Sancho in action for the Red Devils in Saturday’s 2-0 friendly win over Rangers at Murrayfield.
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Boss Erik ten Hag was far more impressed – after slating United opening warm-up game, a 1-0 loss at Rosenborg.
He told United’s website: “You want to grow and that is what we have seen today in comparison with Monday, which was a low standard.
“Today was much better, especially in the prospect of aggressiveness, which was much better. We were much more on the front foot.”
And the Dutchman claimed this must be the season Amad Diallo, United’s impressive opening scorer at the weekend, truly breaks through.
The former Rangers and Sunderland loanee winger, 22, is fully fit after injuries last term.
Ten Hag said: “This has to be the year. It’s great that he starts like this.
“On Monday he couldn’t play… but today he played a very good game.”
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