Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to see Manchester United sign Ethan Ampadu ahead of Chelsea, it has been revealed.

Ferguson spotted Ampadu when Exeter Under-13s travelled to United in 2013 for a junior tournament. Ferguson was so impressed by the youngster he lobbied United's then-chief executive David Gill to conclude a deal for Ampadu.

However, the Manchester Evening News says Ferguson and Gill stepped down as David Moyes and Ed Woodward came in and presided over a desperate transfer window.

Exeter's former academy coach Simon Hayward said earlier this year: "In that visit to Manchester United there was a game going on with his age group, there were trialists from all over Europe.

"Ethan played as a central defender, a central midfielder and a centre forward at different times in the game and, in my opinion, he was the best player on the pitch no matter what position he played in."