January transfer window: Manchester United confirm Liam Grimshaw's transfer to Preston North End

Manchester United confirmed they have agreed a deal with Preston North End for the sale of Liam Grimshaw for an undisclosed fee on 18 January. The 20-year-old player came up through the ranks of the Red Devils' youth setup but failed to make his way into the first team at Old Trafford.

This allowed him to join Scottish Premiership outfit Motherwell on loan last summer. Grimshaw, who can play in the back four or in the midfield, was wanted by Motherwell as they were looking to secure his services on a permanent deal. However, he was recalled by United in January 2016 in order to help him seal a move in the midseason transfer window.

"Manchester United have agreed a deal to sell Liam Grimshaw to Preston North End for an undisclosed sum," a statement read on United's official website.

Preston confirmed the versatile player has joined the Championship side on a two-and-a-half-year deal. The Lilywhites signed Ben Pearson from United as he moved to Deepdale earlier this month.

Their manager Simon Grayson expressed joy after his side managed to add Grimshaw to the squad. The Preston boss has backed their latest acquisition to follow the footsteps of Pearson in settling well at the club.

"We know a lot about Liam. He is another player who is not coming in cold. He is coming in from Manchester United, but he has had three or four months playing up in the SPL with Motherwell and has done very well," Grayson told Preston's official website.

"He is a very versatile player. He can play at right back, he can play on the right side of a three and he can play in midfield. He likes a tackle, has a lot of energy about him and has a good pedigree, because of where he is coming from.

"He is another young, hungry player that we seem to be developing and attracting. We have some good competition in his area of the pitch and we have some experienced players who will help him on the way," he said.

"Ben [Pearson] did well the other night. He looked very assured and grew into the game and I am sure that when Liam gets his chance he will be the same. We are always looking to improve and take the squad further forward and Liam adds another body to that squad over that next few years."