Manchester United leading the race for Sheffield Wednesday forward George Hirst - Reports

The Mirror are reporting that Jose Mourinho is leading the race to secure the England under 19 forward, with Newcastle United and Everton also interested.

It states that "the teenager’s representatives have signaled that Old Trafford is the England Under-19 international’s favoured destination."

Which, of course, they would.

Hirst had recently returned to action with Wednesday's U23s after a long stand-off between the club and his agent.

The striker refused the terms of a new deal offered by owner Dejphon Chansiri and as a result Hirst was frozen out and unable to even play for the under 23s.

Relations appeared to be getting better earlier in the year when Hirst turned out against Leeds United's under 23s but it was then made clear that despite Wednesday's injury problems, the 19 year old would not be chosen to play for the first team.

Despite his lack of game time, Hirst, who made two first team appearances last season from the bench, remained a key figure in England's under 19 squad.

It would appear highly unlikely that a deal will be struck at Hillsborough, so Hirst will be free to leave in the summer with a tribunal set to to decide on a fee.