Manchester United have been linked with a move for youngster Matthew Cox.
The Telegraph report United have sent scouts to watch him in action.
There is a reason why Cox has caught the eye. Here is a look at five facts about the talented teenager…
- Cox used to be on the books at Chelsea as a youngster but left the Blues at the age of 14.
- He’s now a Wimbledon player, and signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday in May 2020.
- Cox is a goalkeeper, but he is still waiting for his first senior appearance for Wimbledon.
- He has represented England twice at Under 17 level, both against Ukraine in February 2020 – and kept clean sheets each time.
- Cox was included in the most recent England Under 19 training camp, which underlines his rapid progress.
What they say…
There were no shortage of plaudits for Cox on the day he signed pro terms, as per Wimbledon’s official website.
Academy Manager Michael Hamilton said: “Ever since ‘Coxy’ signed, we viewed him as having a chance of progressing because he has always been very strong technically.
“In the last 18 months or so, that potential has accelerated as it seems Coxy has really started to combine this talent with real focus and dedication.
“He has had some real strong performances, and his call-up to the England squad was no real surprise to us, as we knew they were watching him.”
Glyn Hodges, who was Dons boss at the time, said: “I am delighted we have been able to secure another quality young player. Matt has been training with the first-team squad for a while now and he has done very well.
“It is great that England have recognised his progress. If he keeps working hard and pushing himself, I feel he has a bright future ahead of him.”
First-team Goalkeeper Coach Ashley Bayes added: “I am delighted that Coxy has agreed to sign and I look forward to continuing to work with him, so that we can push him on again in the next few years.
Under-18s manager Rob Tuvey also said: “We have seen him develop into a fantastic player and person. ‘Coxy’ is always, without doubt, the first player in every morning to do extra gym sessions, or in the office watching clips of his game to make improvements.
“We cannot be prouder of Coxy, but now is only the beginning of him starting out on what we hope will be a successful career.”
What are the chances of signing him?
United are well-stocked in the goalkeeping department but there could be a fair few changes this summer.
Joel Pereira and Sergio Romero look certain to depart. Lee Grant could join them, but even if he stays for another year, he’s not a long-term option.
David de Gea or Dean Henderson could also go, depending on what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decides to do.
That might see Nathan Bishop pushed up the pecking order, creating space for a younger talent like Cox to come in and develop.
It’s plausible that United could end up with Henderson, Bishop and Cox – three talented, hungry English goalkeepers – with Grant potentially on hand to offer experience.
He’s clearly a talented teenager, with a fantastic attitude to match.
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