• Sir Alex Ferguson decides not to offer new contract
• West Ham take a gamble on talented teenager
Ravel Morrison, rated as one of the most naturally talented young players to come through Manchester United's ranks since Paul Scholes, is joining West Ham United after being told he is not getting another contract at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson decided to move on the 18-year-old at Christmas and Sam Allardyce has moved in for a player who will expect first-team football with the Championship side and could play a vital part in their push for promotion.
Morrison, an attacking midfielder, is rated by Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of football development, alongside Paul Gascoigne and Jack Wilshere at the same age. The teenager has also had numerous disciplinary issues behind the scenes at Old Trafford but Allardyce is willing to take the gamble and the deal is close to being finalised.