Manchester United are reportedly set to launch a formal bid for Nottingham Forest’s exciting young striker, Ben Brereton.

According to reports from the Daily Mirror, United are ‘mulling over a seven-figure offer’ for the 17-year-old forward. Brereton recently has agreed to a new deal with Forest, but the Red Devils will still try to lure him away from the City ground.

Nottingham rate the youngster very highly, with the Forest owner, Fawaz Al Hasawi, suggesting that he expects the youngster to play for the club for many years.

“Ben is a player we admire greatly, and we are all looking forward to seeing him progress with us,” he said to Nottingham Post.

Brereton has been impressive in Forest’s under-23s team this season and has scored twice against Chesterfield in the Central League Cup loss on Tuesday. However, he is yet to make a senior appearance for his current club.

Moving to United would mean a big step for the youngster, although he won’t be thrusted into the first team straightaway. It is an offer that is too good to turn down. Also, United have a great track record of developing young players into superstars, with the likes of Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford being the most notable recent examples.

What could work in United’s favour is Forest’s parlous financial condition. The Championship club need to let go of a lot of players during the transfer window to balance their books. Henry Lansbury and Matty Cash are both linked with an exit in January, and Brereton could move out of the club as well.