Deji Sotona has left Manchester United after rejecting a three-year contract.
The MEN understands Sotona, 17, turned down the offer of a three-year professional contract as he wanted a weekly salary just under five figures.
Sotona, a Republic of Ireland youth international, also wanted the guarantee of a first-team promotion this season even though his only appearance for the Under-21s lasted a minute as he was sent off in the EFL Trophy defeat to Tranmere.
Sotona made 11 starts and 11 substitute appearances for the Under-18s last season and scored the winner in their FA Youth Cup quarter-final victory over Wigan at Old Trafford.
Rochdale have been linked with a move for Sotona and are lacking forwards but Sotona would have to significantly alter his salary expectations if he is to move to Spotland.
Despite the loss of Sotona, there is intense competition up front in the United academy, with the club in the process of finalising deals for Alejandro Garnacho from Atletico Madrid and Charlie McNeill from Manchester City.
Dillon Hoogewerf arrived from Ajax last year, while France youth international Noah Emeran and Spaniard Mateo Mejia are also available to U18 coach Neil Ryan. United have high hopes for Shola Shoretire, who agreed to stay amid interest from European clubs earlier this year.
