Stoke City are concerned about Manchester United's interest in Nathan Collins.

Former Stoke midfielder Darren Fletcher has stepped up into a new technical director role at United.

He is known to be an admirer of Stoke's talented centre-half Nathan Collins, 19, from his time with the Potters, says The Sun.

Fletcher spent two years at the Bet365 Stadium while Collins was coming through the club's academy.

The youngster made his debut in the same season Fletcher called time on his playing career in 2019.

The 6ft 4in Irishman is one of the most hotly-tipped defenders in the Championship, having made 27 appearances for Michael O'Neill's men this season.

And he has been in impressive form with the Potters hovering around mid-table in the Championship.