Reports emanating from Italy say that The Red Devils have captured teen sensation Alberto Massacci from Empoli, or so the player himself claims.

The right sided stopper has failed to break into the Empoli first team but has long been coveted by United scouts following a series of man-of-the-match displays in some high profile youth games.

It now appears as if they have got their man. With just the i's to be dotted and t's crossed on a three year deal, which will be formally finalised tomorrow, it is boss Alex Ferguson's second signing in as many days following the shock signing of England ace Michael Owen yesterday.

Ferguson has become a dab hand at swooping in Italy for promising talent, landing both Giuseppe Rossi and Federico Macheda in recent times. Now he has moved to get Massaci on board.

The starlet was over the moon at linking up with one of the world's biggest clubs. He spoke with Sir ALex on the phone before agreeing to join the Premier League champions.

"In life a chance like this only comes past you once, and you've got to grab it with both hands," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Even if at 16 years old it isn't an easy decision, you have to leave your home, family and friends. But I don't want to have regrets."

It has been a fruitful week for The Red Devils in the transfer market, wiith talented wideman Antonio Valencia also arriving at Old Trafford in a £15million deal.