Manchester United have appointed Stephen Ajewole as a lead scout for their academy as they continue their overhaul at youth level.
Ajewole arrives at United as a highly-rated scout having rose to prominence during a similar role at former side Manchester City.
The new appointment began his role as a lead scout in the south of England earlier this week and it is understood he will mainly be involved with players between U15 and U18 level.
During his time at City it is understood Ajewole also had some responsibility for securing loan deals at youth level, though it is unclear if he will take up such a task for United as well.
MEN Sport reported back in April that United have hired two new scouts who will be tasked with specialising in 'the London area' as the club shift a greater emphasis on recruiting homegrown talent.
United's focus on signing the best homegrown talent coincides with a new points-based work permit system following Brexit which makes it more difficult for Premier League clubs to sign youngsters who haven't played international football.
It also virtually bans the signing of players under the age of 18 from foreign countries.
Newly appointed football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher spoke at a fans' forum on April 16 in which Murtough spoke of new plans to rejuvenate the scouting process.
"The north west area remains important to ensure we convince the next Marcus (Rashford), Jesse (Lingard) or Mason (Greenwood) to play for United," notes from the forum read.
"The scouting network across the rest of the UK have also been strengthened. Recently, two new scouts have came on board to focus on the London area. The club’s tradition of looking at bringing in the best 17/18 year olds from across the world will also continue."
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