United focus is on being a Brit of alright

MANCHESTER UNITED have a proud history of producing homegrown talent.

And despite already being comfortably within the quotas, it is very noticeable that United are targeting the best of British as Premier League clubs begin planning for life after Brexit.

They have Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish on their shopping list this summer, while they spent nearly £150million on Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-bissaka and Daniel James last year.

Only time will tell whether their faith pays off and, while Premier League clubs remain opposed to any quota system, it is now a United strategy and they are also making it very clear in conversations with agents that they are fully committed to boss Ole

Gunnar Solskjaer.

They have been heavily linked with Mauricio Pochettino, but they are determined to give Solskjaer (above) time and their British transfer policy is at the heart of their long-term vision.

Negotiations are still ongoing between the Premier League, FA and Football League over Brexit and one thing which may be scrapped or significantly changed is the current work-permit system which could open up new avenues.

Interestingly, 42 homegrown players have made their Premier League debuts this season compared to 27 at the same stage last year, so it is clear that clubs are already reaping the benefits of academies and also seeing better players coming through.

There will be restrictions on the number of players clubs can loan out to stop ‘stockpiling’ – as Chelsea have been accused of in the past – and some clubs have been looking at developing relationships where they could sell players and insert buy-back clauses.

However, EFL rules do not permit this so more clubs might have to get ‘feeder’ arrangements with foreign clubs to place players overseas.

FIFA will allow clubs to continue to sign 16 and 17-year-olds from the EU during the transition period, which runs until the end of the year.

Existing players will be able to stay with no restriction so expect big-name foreign stars to get new long-term deals to make sure they remain.

It is an interesting challenge but the likes of United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool – with some fantastic prospects coming through their academies – are determined to embrace it rather than see it as an obstacle.