Stoke City are swooping for Manchester United starlet Nick Jackson.

The Sentinel says the Potters have offered a two-year scholarship to former Manchester United schoolboy Jackson after he impressed in City's 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest.

Jackson had already caught the eye for Stoke's under-16s before earning a crack with the under-18s at Forest. "He's a right-back or central midfielder," said youth coach Adrian Pennock, "and one who's comfortable on the ball.

"We wish him all the best along with the under-16s we are taking on for the next couple of years."

They are local lads Zak Foster, Dave Parton, Jack Harrison, Leighton Wint, Cameron Mitchell, Alex Headley and Craig Sinclair.

Sinclair is the son of deputy Academy director Ronnie Sinclair and, unlike his father, is a centre-half rather than a goalkeeper.