United look to make second youth international addition - reports

Scunthorpe United are trying to sign a second youngster on loan from Manchester United – just a day after loaning Oliver Norwood from the Barclays Premier League champions reports the Scunthorpe Telegraph.

Iron boss Alan Knill wants to add 18-year-old defender Tom Thorpe to his ranks at Glanford Park on a six-month loan deal to act as cover for the injured Paul Reid, and Niall Canavan who has been called up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad.

Thorpe, an England Under-19 international, was captain of the Red Devils team that won last year's FA Youth Cup, and is highly regarded by Sir Alex Ferguson and his array of Manchester United coaches.

Having made considerable progress over the past two years, Thorpe is now reportedly keen to continue his development away from Old Trafford by gaining some first-team experience on loan.


 

With Knill looking to utilise the Manchester United contacts that helped him seal the signature of Norwood yesterday, Thorpe could join up with the League One outfit before the close of the transfer window next week - though there is no specific deadline for this short-term deal.

Meanwhile, Scunthorpe are preparing for their Carling Cup second round tie at home to Newcastle United tonight, and will have their eyes on a potential scalp as a Joey Barton-less Magpies side travel to Glanford Park looking to avoid an upset.