ALAN Nixon is a reporter in the know and he is claiming that Manchester United have won the race for Australian teenager James Overy, as is Steven Railston of The Manchester Evening News.

Remarkably, he is a player that those down at Newton Abbot Spurs will be familiar with as he made eight appearances for them during his time in Devon- so what did they make of him?

Starting first with Spurs manager Marc Revell, who spoke with huge pride about having known and having coached James.

When it comes to the style of play of the 16-year-old, Revell described him as “Tenacious, aggressive going forward and very skilful with a great technique.”

He went on to comment that Overy is “Very much of an attacking wingback, suited to today’s modern game where the fullback spends most of their time in the opponent’s half.”

Revell compared him to Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro, with similar players of yesteryear being Roberto Carlos and Cafu.

Away from the pitch, he is labelled as “A wonderfully polite and humble young man.

“Also his ability to listen and take instructions regardless of his superior quality in the level he was playing at with us, albeit brief, he still remained very grounded and played the way he was asked.” Revell even joked that he’d “Like to think Newton Spurs had some bearing on [him], but I really doubt it has.”

Revell wasn’t shocked by this news either; “I think the fact he’s had offers from Everton, West Ham and Manchester United tells you it’s not a fluke. Also, being given a 4-year deal shows what United see in him.”

Switching from manager to player and former teammate Lewis Breslan was just as complimentary of the Australian youngster.

His style of play was described as “very direct” whilst the standout qualities were these. He is “Both footed. I’d say nearly as equally strong on his left foot as his right foot.”

Overy was also “very down to earth”, “he listened to what others were suggesting and took onboard what he was being told without question or debate”- there was no air of superiority whatsoever.

The Spurs stalwart compared him to Achraf Hakimi and Jeremie Frimpong, also made a joking comparison between the two clubs in question.

“After spending time playing with him, knowing he’s a bit of a United fan like myself, I’m absolutely ecstatic for him that he’s got this opportunity to go and progress at arguably the biggest club in world football (after Newton Spurs).”

Both Revell and Breslan were quick to sing his praises as both a person and a player, which shows the impact he left on Spurs.

The club “wish him all the best and look forward to seeing him back in the Rec soon. A real mini success story that makes the club and myself (Revell) proud.”