York City starlet Jonathan Greening was today poised for the Premiership after clinching a move to champions Manchester United.

Manager Alex Ferguson revealed the 19-year-old City ace had agreed to sign for the Old Trafford giants and the deal was subject to a medical.

Greening was identified as a prime target for the Red Devils when he was invited for a four day trial in February.

The youngster, who described that experience as the "greatest week" of his life, was back at Old Trafford for talks today and a medical was scheduled for this afternoon.

The two clubs refused to reveal the fee, but the Evening Press understands that the initial payment is a six-figure sum which could eventually be pushed over £1 million, depending on Greening's progress.

Sources in Manchester believe the initial sum to be in the region of £750,000, which would smash City's £450,000 record transfer fee, paid by Port Vale for Jon McCarthy in 1995.

Said Ferguson: "We had him down for training and he showed the promise we thought he had. Since then it has been a long road trying to get a deal done, because of other interest."

United's interest was stirred by the impact Greening made during his first steps in League football this season, which has seen him used sparingly by City boss Alan Little.

He has made just five Division Two starts for the Minstermen since his senior debut as a substitute at Bournemouth 13 months ago, with 15 further appearances coming off the bench.

His super-sub status was confirmed by his only two League goals, a late winner over Gillingham in August and a stoppage-time leveller at Chesterfield at Christmas.

Scarborough-born Greening joined City as a 15-year-old and graduated through the junior ranks, as did York-born goalkeeper Nick Culkin, who was snapped up by Manchester United in 1995 for £100,000 before making a reserve team appearance.

Greening, who had a year of his current City contract to run, has also attracted interest from a number of other clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur reported to have tabled a £1 million bid for the player.

However, that move was dismissed as "paper talk" by Little, who insisted the club had received no offer from the struggling North Londoners.

Last week Little declined to comment on claims that Greening had turned down the offer of a trial with Spurs, along similar lines to his week with United.

Greening, a United fan from the age of six, linked up with international stars Ryan Giggs and David Beckham during his week with the Premiership champions.

On his return from Manchester, Greening said: "Playing with the players I have supported and admired, well, it's just been like a dream. I would love to be a part of all that and it's what I am determined to aim for."

The youngster was also impressed with the facilities at United's legendary The Cliff training complex, describing the set up as "amazing".

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