Will Keane set to sign long term contract at Manchester United according to reports

Will Keane looks on during a England U21 training session.

England under-21 international Will Keane is poised to commit his long term future to Manchester United and sign a new deal to stay at Old Trafford, report Goal.

The forward was believed to be weighing up his options this summer after attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including Red Devils rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, following a two sets of solid displays on loan at Championship side Queens Park Rangers and Wigan Athletic last season.

However, Keane, who was set to become a free agent this summer, has been persuaded by club officials to pledge his future to United, put pen to paper on a new contract and rebuff the advances of his potential suitors.

Having progressed through the club’s youth ranks alongside his twin brother Michael, the striker remains highly rated despite his failure to secure a place in the first team squad on a regular basis.

Keane made his full debut back in 2011 but has found opportunities increasingly difficult to come by due to the wealth of attacking options within United’s squad, including Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

New manager Louis van Gaal could yet welcome Keane into the fold next season, but even if he does not, the new contract protects United from the risk of letting one of their most promising talents leave the club on a free transfer in a similar situation that led to Paul Pogba’s acrimonious departure.