Brandao signs for big boys

Walsall teenager Evandro Brandao was poised to complete his dream move to Manchester United today as Saddlers insisted they had no choice but to sell their young star.

The clubs agreed a fee in time for Brandao's return from Portugal yesterday and he was due to sign paperwork this afternoon to take him to the Old Trafford academy.

Youth development officer Bill Jones today said Walsall could not have held on to the 15-year-old, whose transfer package includes clauses that will net Saddlers extra money if he is sold on or plays for the United first team.

"The boy was hell bent on going to Manchester United and it wouldn't have been right for us to stand in his way," said Jones.

"Since he came here his dream has been to play for Manchester United and he played for them in the summer and came back determined to sign there.

"Like any young boy he wants to play at the highest level possible and it wouldn't be right for us to hold him back.

"If he hadn't gone to Manchester United he could have left us and gone somewhere else so we've done what's best for the boy and for the club."

Brandao returned to England yesterday after representing his country in the European under-18s championships and was due to meet with United officials today to finalise his switch to Old Trafford.

The Angola-born forward youngster has been part of Walsall's centre of excellence for around three years and attends the town's Alumwell School.

By Steve Madeley