Manchester United have agreed a deal with Cardiff for 17-year-old midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

The talented teenager had also been chased by United's Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, but will now complete a switch to Old Trafford.

Ramsay made 22 appearances for the Bluebirds in all competitions during the 2007/08 season, including a substitute showing in the FA Cup final defeat to Portsmouth.

He is already an established member of the Welsh Under-21 squad, with many expecting him to earn his first senior cap in the near future after he was an unused squad member for the recent trips to Iceland and Holland.

Ramsey will now undergo a medical with United and, subject to personal terms being agreed, will finalise his switch to the UEFA Champions League winners in the coming days.

A short statement on United's official website read: "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to terms being agreed and the player passing a medical."

United's offer is thought to be in the region of £4.5million, with the Red Devils prepared to loan the youngster back to Cardiff as part of the deal.

The Bluebirds were hoping to hold out for £5million, but have been tempted by the opportunity to bring Ramsey back to Ninian Park next season.

Liverpool were also understood to have favoured the loan agreement, but Sir Alex Ferguson has made the first move and landed his first signing of the summer.


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