Manchester United closing in on agreeing new long-term contract with young striker James Wilson

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on agreeing a new long-term contract to keep James Wilson at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old has less than six months in his contract and is allowed a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club. He made his first team debut for Red Devils under Ryan Giggs at the end of the last season, where he netted twice against Hull City.

According to Goal.com, United are set to hand a new deal to Wilson, which will see the young striker earn £30,000-a-week at the club. With Wayne Rooney being dropped to the midfield, the teenager has been the third choice striker for Louis van Gaal, behind Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao.

Wilson has made 12 appearances this season and has started 10 of those games from the bench. He came on as a second half substitute to score his first goal of the season against Queens Park Rangers last month.

Falcao was signed on last summer's deadline day from AS Monaco on a season-long loan deal. The Colombian international's future at Old Trafford beyond this season remains uncertain as he has failed to fire for the 20-times English champions this term.

Should United decide against signing Falcao on a permanent transfer and if they fail to tie down Wilson to a new deal, the situation will leave Van Gaal with the former Arsenal skipper as the only first choice striker at Old Trafford.

United have already secured the services of Paddy McNair after the defender penned down a new deal earlier this week. The Dutchman and United are confident of keeping Wilson at Old Trafford beyond this season.

Earlier this month, Wilson hailed Van Gaal and admitted that working under the former Netherlands manager will be helpful for his development.

"He's a top manager. In training, he always wants 100 per cent out of everybody and he is very encouraging," Wilson told United's official website.

"If you need help from him, you can just go up to him and ask. He is not one of those people who are distant, he will take the time out to talk to you and that is good for me."