SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Newport County AFC scholar Regan Poole has landed a dream trial with Premier League giants Manchester United, writes Andrew Penman.

The talented teenage defender caught the eye of United scouts as he captained the Exiles’ under-18s side in the Football League Youth Alliance last month.

And Cardiff-born Poole, who only signed on as a scholar at the club in June this year, has joined up with the United under-21s this week.

He has officially been on ‘work experience’ with the Red Devils in the same week that they welcomed the likes of Colombian superstar Radamel Falcao to the club.

Count youth development coach Mike Flynn said: “Regan is up at Manchester United this week, which is great news for him and the club.

“He’s a centre-back and he’s very good on the ball, very athletic and he’s fit.

“He’s got a great spring on him and he’s quick as well so he’s got great potential.

“That’s why a club like Manchester United want to have a look at him.

“He’s only just turned 16 so he’s very young but I think he can go a long way in the game.

“I’ve got big hopes for Regan and he’s really kicked on this season.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him,” he added. “I just hope he keeps his head this week because it could be a big life-changing moment for him if United want him.

“It’s a nervous time for him but we all wish him the best of luck.”

Poole is also on the standby list for the Wales under-17s side for their friendly matches against Malta in Wrexham later this month.

Flynn says the news is a big boost to the rest of the club’s academy boys, including the likes of Tom Owen-Evans, who played for the first team in a behind closed doors friendly this week.

“We’ve got scouts from Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool watching us so it’s unbelievable for the youngsters to know that opportunity is there if they can impress,” said Flynn.

“The Welsh selectors are looking as well, which is another boost and it just shows you that you will get a chance if you’re good enough.”

The County under-18s are next in action at Oxford United in the FLYA at 11am on Saturday morning.