Charlotte Independence have snapped up Manchester City goalkeeper Curtis Anderson.

The teenager was England No 1 as they triumphed at the Under 17 World Cup two years ago and wanted first-team football.

Anderson – who also previously had interest from Preston North End – had trained with Pep Guardiola's first team and was highly thought of at the City Football Academy.

The 18-year-old's courageous move across the pond is in the hope of gaining experience in the USL Championship. He is believed to have been recommended to manager Jim McGuinness by City's pathways boss Fergal Harkin.

"I quickly decided that this was too good an opportunity to miss out on," Anderson said. "Especially the chance playing in senior football for the first time in my young career."