Manchester United sign Ipswich striker with famous dad as they continue academy recruitment drive

Manchester United have completed the signing of Ipswich Town striker Silva Mexes as they continue their recruitment drive at academy level.

The U14 forward, who is the son of former Wales striker Robert Earnshaw, confirmed his move to Old Trafford in a social media post on Thursday morning. Mexes posed with the No.7 shirt at the club's Carrington training ground after he was officially presented as a United player.

He wrote: "Very proud moment for me and my family to announce my signing for Manchester United. Thank you for everyone who has helped me on my journey so far. The work starts now."

It has been a whirlwind rise for Mexes, who only joined academy football two years ago after he was spotted at grassroots level by Ipswich.

United are targeting a host of highly-rated domestic talent after recent Brexit rule changes prohibited them from signing any foreign players until they are 18, while all new signings from European Union nations require a work permit that is allocated on a points-based system. These rule changes have also led to heavy focus on signing players from South America.

United are keeping tabs on Port Vale forward Baylee Dipepa, Blackburn striker Igor Tyjon and Australian right-back James Overy as they look to identify youngsters with high-potential. They have also been linked with a move for Wolves prospect Wesley Okoduwa.

Earnshaw, who played for Cardiff, Norwich and Nottingham Forest during his career, famously holds the record as the only player to have scored hat-tricks in the Premier League, Divisions 1, 2 and 3, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and in an international match.