---
title: "“Surprise” signing near completion"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/07/22/surprise-signing-near-completion/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Transfer News"
published: "2015-07-22T22:07:28Z"
modified: "2015-07-22T22:07:28Z"
---

# “Surprise” signing near completion

Barnsley manager Lee Johnson has admitted that the chances of keeping teenage star Mason Holgate is becoming less likely, with a number of Premier League clubs showing interest in the 18-year old.

Holgate has been linked with Aston Villa and Arsenal in the past, but it has emerged that he has been training with Manchester United this week, and reports now suggest that he is closing in on a move to the Red Devils.

Lee Johnson spoke to *The Star* and confirmed that the defender was training with Man United, while saying that holding onto the young talent will be a difficult task:

*“There’s been a lot of interest in Mason and, at this stage it looks like we’re destined to lose him. But you never know what’s going to happen. The player can always change his mind.”*

*“It’s great for the lad to be training with Manchester United, it’s a fantastic opportunity.”*

*“But of course I want him to stay and really feel as though he could benefit from a full season in our first team.”*

Holgate played 20 games in League One for Barnsley last season, and it seems that his performances are to see him become the fifth United signing of the summer, following Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian into the club.

The 18-year old can play either in the heart of defence or at right-back, though he played predominantly on the right side last season.