Manchester City win race to sign forward Poppy Pritchard from Championship side Durham... with England U19 international signing three-and-a-half year deal

Manchester City have won the race to sign highly rated forward Poppy Pritchard from Championship side Durham.

The England U19 international has attracted interest from several clubs earlier in the window including Chelsea, Manchester United, Leicester, Brighton and Bristol City.

Mail Sport understands that Pritchard rejected a move to United this month, while Brighton pushed hard to sign the youngster on deadline day.

But it is Gareth Taylor’s side who have secured the striker’s services on a three-and-a-half year deal.

Durham had tried to tie Pritchard down to a contract earlier in the month but are understood to have wanted to insert a release clause of just under £100,000.

Manchester City have won the race to sign Poppy Pritchard from Championship side Durham

The Championship side will receive compensation of around £5,000 under new FA rules introduced this summer.

Pritchard recently joined sportswear company Nike despite interest from Puma, Adidas and newcomers Skechers.

City have also signed Republic of Ireland international Tara O’Hanlon.

Mail Sport reported on Tuesday that O’Hanlon was set to join on a three-and-a-half year deal from League of Ireland champions Peamount United.