SIMON JONES: Manchester City have seen off Premier League rivals to sign 13-year-old Finley Burns from Southend United in a £175,000 deal, which could rise to £250,000.
The talented defender was free to leave Roots Hall in the summer and had attracted attention from Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal after being promoted to Southend’s Under 16 side.
The fee - which is a record for a 13-year-old, and which was revealed in The Times - is a reflection of what Premier League clubs are now willing to pay to sign the best talent.
SAM MORSHEAD: Not one to hold a grudge, Memphis Depay has written a heart-felt thank you to Manchester United fans as he puts an end to his Old Trafford nightmare.