Manchester United and Arsenal have missed out on teenage prospect George Shepherd after he agreed to sign his first professional contract with hometown club Coventry City.
United and Arsenal have both been following the midfielder, who has been included in manager Frank Lampard's first team squad this season, aware that he had still to sign a deal with the Championship pacesetters.
However, the 17-year-old has decided to shun interest from Premier League sides in a bid to realise his dream and play for Coventry City's first team.
Former Chelsea and England midfielder Lampard is understood to have played a major part in convincing Shepherd after showing a willingness to make him part of the senior set-up as reward for his performances in the youth ranks.