Yoof

[Bijou Bob]

I was talking to an ex pro last week with links to United's youth set up. He was telling me to look out for a particular kid who is apparently an outstanding talent.

The lad is 13 and from the DR Congo. The Scum have paid for his whole family to travel to the UK, have provided a house and private education for Noah and his brother and a healthy retainer. Apparently, City are already sniffing round the kid trying to poach him.

This is apparently the case across the Prem, with Arsenal taking a huge number of kids on similar deals in the hope of finding that one jewel in the crown. Personally, I think its appalling and feel for the majority of kids who at some stage will be rejected, leaving them with shattered dreams and their families in dire financial straits.

Shirley there's a better way?

[Athers]

Interesting that Barcelona were recently punished for something very similar sounding, although the details of a 'transfer' might be dull dull dull stuff which makes that case an exception

http://www.theguardian.com/football/201 ... -fifa-fine" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fifa prohibits the international transfers of players under the age of 18, unless the two clubs involved are both within the European Union or the border being crossed is less than 50km from a player's home, or the player's parents move to the country in which the new club is located for reasons not linked to football.

The Fifa statement added: "The disciplinary committee emphasised that the protection of minors in the context of international transfers is an important social and legal issue that concerns all stakeholders in football.

"The committee highlighted that while international transfers might, in specific cases, be favourable to a young player's sporting career, they are very likely to be contrary to the best interests of the player as a minor.

[Vertigo]

Interesting that Barcelona were recently punished for something very similar sounding, although the details of a 'transfer' might be dull dull dull stuff which makes that case an exception

http://www.theguardian.com/football/201 ... -fifa-fine" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fifa prohibits the international transfers of players under the age of 18, unless the two clubs involved are both within the European Union or the border being crossed is less than 50km from a player's home, or the player's parents move to the country in which the new club is located for reasons not linked to football.

The Fifa statement added: "The disciplinary committee emphasised that the protection of minors in the context of international transfers is an important social and legal issue that concerns all stakeholders in football.

"The committee highlighted that while international transfers might, in specific cases, be favourable to a young player's sporting career, they are very likely to be contrary to the best interests of the player as a minor.

Well there's your loophole.

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

Interesting that Barcelona were recently punished for something very similar sounding, although the details of a 'transfer' might be dull dull dull stuff which makes that case an exception

http://www.theguardian.com/football/201 ... -fifa-fine" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fifa prohibits the international transfers of players under the age of 18, unless the two clubs involved are both within the European Union or the border being crossed is less than 50km from a player's home, or the player's parents move to the country in which the new club is located for reasons not linked to football.

The Fifa statement added: "The disciplinary committee emphasised that the protection of minors in the context of international transfers is an important social and legal issue that concerns all stakeholders in football.

"The committee highlighted that while international transfers might, in specific cases, be favourable to a young player's sporting career, they are very likely to be contrary to the best interests of the player as a minor.

Well there's your loophole.

But how do they get a visa to stay in the country?

[boltonboris]

Money placed into the correct palms I imagine.

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

So we didn't pay that scouse wanker all those years ago then. Makes sense now.