Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly looking at the performances of Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry with a view of making a January transfer move. The 20-year-old youngster has impressed for Boro at the heart of their defence this season, which has earned him a call-up to the England Under-21 squad.

Following their relegation to the Championship this season, the side has settled under Garry Monk who has set the mood at the club. Fry is one of the players who has looked settled in the 9 games played so far.

He was not involved in the game against Brentford last weekend after a below-par performance against Norwich City. Boro looked off-colour in his absence, conceding two goals for only the third time this season and settling for a draw.

The Daily Mail reports that the Red Devils are one among the various Premier League clubs interested in the player. Chelsea and Leicester City are also keeping an eye on his development as they view him as a future star.

The starlet is already a key member at the national level having represented England at every level from Under-17 onwards. He was also a member of the England Under-20 squad that won the World Cup in South Korea last summer.

He was called up to the England Under-21s for the first time last month when he made his debut in a 1-1 draw against The Netherlands.

It was Fry’s centre-back partner at Boro Ben Gibson who has garnered a lot of attention and interest from Premier League clubs, notably Chelsea.

So, how does Fry compare to others in his age group? The youngster is tall, has the ability to read the game well and is very comfortable on the ball. To be fair, he may not have got this opportunity of playing matches regularly had he been snapped up by one of the big boys.

I am really impressed with the way scouting and recruitment for the United Academy is being shaped up. Nicky Butt would be delighted to have Fry in his squad as he aims to develop a strong long-term core at Old Trafford.