Manchester United are allegedly already giving consideration over when to introduce Chido Obi-Martin to the first-team squad.
For a number of months, the Red Devils courted the 17-year-old prodigy before signing him from Arsenal.
There has been excitement over the potential of the teenager for some time courtesy of his free-scoring exploits in youth football.
An incredible 32 goals were netted from 26 such fixtures with the young Gunners and the starlet has since continued that run in the colours of United.
As well as five strikes coming in as many U18 Premier League fixtures, Obi-Martin recently scored a double in a 5-0 victory over Coventry City in the FA Youth Cup.
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What plans do United have for Obi-Martin?
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are open-minded to introducing the Dane into the senior setup during the second half of 2024-25.
The report suggests that there is the possibility that Obi-Martin could be provided with his first-team debut before the conclusion of the campaign.
While Obi-Martin is likely to have been promised a pathway into the first team upon leaving the Emirates Stadium for the Theatre of Dreams, thoughts of quick progression may stem from United's struggles in the Premier League.
As well as United sitting down in 14th position in the table, just 21 goals have been scored in their 18 top-flight fixtures.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have netted just five goals between them, their performances in the final third not improving since the arrival of Ruben Amorim.
With Marcus Rashford seemingly not in contention for a return to the squad, United are essentially short of an attacker heading into the new year.
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Do United have everything to gain from Obi-Martin selection?
Having only turned 17 years of age in November, United will be wary of putting Obi-Martin under the spotlight too soon.
Kobbie Mainoo - who is now 19 - is a recent example of not making the same impression as he did upon his initial introduction into the first team.
Nevertheless, this is a new era at Old Trafford and Amorim needs to determine at what point Obi-Martin becomes a genuine contender for a permanent place in the squad.
That may first come through appearances for the Under-21s. Obi-Martin is yet to feature at that level of football for club or country, but making an immediate impact in Premier League 2 could realistically lead to further progress into the senior squad.
Darren Plant
