ISL 2017: ATK set to sign former Manchester United starlet

Bengaluru, September 10: Kolkata giants ATK are set to complete the signing of former Manchester United academy graduate Tom Thorpe for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

If the deal goes through smoothly, the 24-year-old defender will be joining a setup which is coached by former Manchester United striker and club legend Teddy Sheringham. Moreover, Technical Director Ashley Westwood is also a former graduate of the English giants.

Raghu Iyer, CEO of ATK, confirmed that the franchise was in talks with the ex-United star when Goal contacted him. "We are in negotiations with Tom Thorpe. However, nothing has been finalised yet," he said.

This would definitely be a huge move by ATK considering Thorpe’s reputation in English football. He has represented England at every youth level and was the captain of Manchester United’s under-21 side which speaks for his quality.

Thorpe, who captained the Manchester United reserves to the inaugural U21 Premier League title in the 2012-13 season, could make just a single appearance for the Red Devils under Louis van Gaal in 2014/15 season.

He came on as a late substitute in a 2-1 win over West Ham United. But the Englishman failed to nail down a spot in the first team and was released by Man United at the end of the 2014/15 season.

He subsequently joined Championship side Rotherham United on a two-year deal which ended at the end of 2016/17 season. Thorpe played for Bolton Wanderers on loan last season but is a free agent now, paving way for ATK to sign him outside the transfer window.

Sheringham will be hopeful of acquiring Thorpe's experience with United as ATK look to secure their third ISL title in four years.

The Kolkata-based franchise have several former Premier League stars on their roster including former Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane, as the marquee player, and former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen who used to be a reliable shot stopper in the Premier League.