Sources: Sheffield United see off competition from United, City and Chelsea to sign 18-year-old starlet

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Sheffield United have seen off competition from Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United to the signing of Irish starlet Sam Curtis, HITC Football understands.

A whole host of Premier League sides have been linked with St Pats Athletic sensation Sam Curtis with a summer move for the Irish star looking like a certainty at this point.

Operating at right-back, Curtis has attracted the attention of some of the biggest teams in the land including Manchester United and Manchester City.

Despite this, HITC Sources can confirm that it is Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United who are set to win the race for the highly coveted Irishman in what would be a huge coup for the Blades.

Curtis’ future

As mentioned, the 18-year-old right-back is Ireland’s Young Player of the Year and has been attracting interest from throughout Europe.

However, sources have confirmed that the St Patrick’s defender has agreed terms on a long-term deal with The Blades and the deal should be wrapped up by the weekend, barring any last-minute hitches.

HITC sources can confirm that alongside United and City, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea met with Curtis to talk terms of a deal but the youngster has opted to join relegation-threatened Sheffield United.

Despite the move perhaps being a surprise due to the calibre of clubs that have met with the Irishman, sources have told HITC that the promise of first-team football at the Blades was a draw that he couldn’t turn down.

Curtis compensation fee

Curtis’ contract in Ireland was up but due to the Irish league playing to a different calendar to those in England, the Blades will have to pay a compensation fee to St Pats Athletic.

This is a major coup for the Yorkshire side and a significant blow to the three Premier League giants who looked to be keen on striking a deal for the promising defenders.

Despite the Blades sitting rock bottom of the Premier League table, the signing of Curtis could be huge for the club as his potential could see Sheffield United make some significant money in the future if the Irishman performs as is hoped of him.