Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign Chelsea teenager Ethan Ampadu when he was 12-years-old

Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly wanted to sign Wales international defender Ethan Ampadu for Manchester United five years ago, according to Manchester Evening News.

The Premier League side, who visit in-form Watford at Vicarage Road this weekend in the English top-flight, are understood to have been interested in snapping up the Chelsea teenager whilst he was playing in a junior tournament at the age of just 12.

Celebrating his 18th birthday today, and with four senior international caps for The Dragons already, Ampadu has made seven first-team appearances for The Blues overall, though the centre-back is yet to play under new boss Maurizio Sarri so far this 2018-19 campaign.

Ampadu, who arrived at Stamford Bridge back in July 2017 following his move from League Two side Exeter City, will cost Chelsea only up to just £2.5m following a tribunal back in April.

Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu.

However, the report claims ex-Red Devils manager Ferguson wanted to sign the Wales wonderkid when he was just 12-years-old, when he starred for Exeter’s Under-13 side against United in a junior tournament back in 2013.

Sir Alex was said to have been impressed with Ampadu’s ability and wanted then chief executive David Gill to explore a deal to sign The Grecians talent, but it failed to materialise following his retirement at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Written by Dan Church Follow @DJChurch94