Rotherham United have completed the signing of Tom Thorpe...
Rotherham United have made their second signing of the day after securing a deal for former Manchester United youngster Tom Thorpe, subject to medical and Football League ratification.Following the signing of Danny Collins this morning, Thorpe becomes the sixth summer signing after finalising the terms of his deal this afternoon at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
The 22-year-old defender, who made his senior debut for Manchester United against West Ham last season, has also enjoyed a loan spell at Championship side Birmingham City.
Thorpe has represented England at under 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 levels, and can also operate in a central midfield role.
“My Chief Operating Officer Paul Douglas has just confirmed that Tom has put pen-to-paper in the last few minutes. This is a young man that I have targeted since the first day he was released by Manchester United,” boss Steve Evans told www.themillers.co.uk
“There is no secret within the Millers that I tried to take young Tom on loan on a number of occasions last season, but at that time we couldn’t make it happen.
“This young man has everything that is good with the modern day footballer. He has height, strength, speed, awareness and technical ability. There is no doubt that this lad for me is exceptional, and we are delighted to be able to attract a player who has had multiple options to sign for clubs in the Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premiership.”
Evans revealed he received glowing references of Thorpe’s ability from members of the Manchester United staff, whilst also stating the Manchester-born ace is more than capable of filling a void in midfield if necessary.
“Young Tom comes with a fantastic recommendation from some very serious people within football, and when the likes of Ryan Giggs and Warren Joyce at Manchester United tell you to move quickly to sign this lad, then you know he is a talented individual,” he added.
“He will join the group on Monday and I fully expect him to stake an immediate claim for a starting place in a line-up for the upcoming season.
“Tom is a central defender, and is accomplished in a central midfield role, and I believe our supporters will see a comparison with a very quick 22-year-old Kari Arnason."