Manchester United complete signing of former A-League talent who impressed scouts

Man Utd's academy is the heartbeat of the club and the Reds have added promising talent James Overy to their ranks.

Manchester United have officially completed the signing of youngster James Overy.

The Manchester Evening News reported last month that United had offered Overy a scholarship deal and the club were 'hopeful' he would decide to join the academy.

Overy's move to United has now been made official and he's signed to join the youth set-up.

As a first-year scholar, Overy is expected to feature for United's Under-18s next season and will be hopeful of making a debut at Old Trafford in the next few years.

The 16-year-old, who is eligible to play for Australia and England, departed Australian side Perth Glory last year and his family relocated to the south of England.

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After arriving in England, Overy played for Newton Abbot Spurs' first team, but he'd been subject to Premier League interest since catching the eye playing for Perth Glory's senior side in a pre-season friendly against West Ham last summer when he was aged just 15.

Overy came on at half-time in that friendly against West Ham on July 15 last year and delivered a mature performance against players with Premier League experience.

The young talent is set to move from Devon to Manchester after accepting his scholarship, turning down interest from other Premier League clubs like West Ham, Everton and Leicester.

Overy played at right-back during his brief stint representing Newton Abbot Spurs. He has pace, attacking quality and is also comfortable with his left foot.

United's academy is regarded as best-in-class and the club's youth scouts are tasked with finding youngsters who could have the potential to make the first team.

Scholarship deals are offered to promising young players and represent a milestone on the way to potentially being offered a professional contract, which can be signed at 17.