SAINTS academy talent Harley Emsden-James is set to join Manchester United in a deal worth a minimum of £1million to the club.

In addition to the seven-figure fee, Saints will retain a 20 per cent sell-on clause, and the Daily Echo understands that all parties are satisfied.

Clubs are powerless to prevent players moving before they have signed a professional contract at 17 years old, with only compensation required.

Emsden-James, 16, played up an age group for the under-18s on two occasions this season and is considered a bright prospect at centre-back.

Saints are already reinvesting the money received from this transfer in key target positions where they feel the pathway needs strengthening.

Former Saints director Jason Wilcox, recently promoted to director of football at Manchester United, is reported to have been a key man behind the deal.

The Red Devils were the only club who came in for the teenager, who has been called up to represent England at youth level in the past.

While losing Emsden-James is a blow, Saints believe they have received a strong fee for his talent and potential and could benefit further.

Director of group talent strategy Andy Goldie is pleased with the direction in which the academy is heading following a successful season.

"I don't think there's many clubs in the world where you think of the academy first when you think of the football club itself," he recently told the Daily Echo.

"I think Benfica are one, Ajax are one, Dinamo Zagreb are one, these types of clubs. Southampton, for me, are also one of them. 

"We've lost our way in recent years but this year has reignited that. We've built momentum this year, and we're on our way to becoming one of the most attractive and productive academies again."