The Mayo youngster that Alex Ferguson wants to sign

According to the Irish Sun, 16-year-old Castlebar teenager Noe Baba is being chased by many big clubs, but Manchester United are the favourites.

More good news for Irish soccer fans today as it seems one of our brightest prospects might be on the brink of a move to Old Trafford.

According to the Irish Sun, 16-year-old Noe Baba, an Irish international at various underage grades, is being pursued by a frankly ridiculous 18 clubs. However, top of that list, and beating long-time favourites Celtic, are Manchester United.

The paper reports that United's  scouts have been to watch Baba regularly at Castlebar Celtic, with talk of a bidding war mentioned in the report.

Baba Noe Pic credit: Castlebar.ie

Baba is very highly thought of in Irish football circles. The centre back, who moved to Ireland when he was 10 from Cameroon, captained the Irish Under 17s earlier this year and he has even been called up to the Under 19s by Paul Doolin.

Wherever he goes, we hope he continues to progress as a top quality centre-half is a very valuable asset in international football.