A teenage sensation has the country’s best footballers in his sights after he was signed by Premiership side Sunderland.
Controversial manager Paolo Di Canio has made Wilmslow youngster Duncan Watmore his first signing.
The 19-year-old was signed for an undisclosed fee from non-league Altrincham FC.
Duncan will move to the north east to join the Black Cat’s under-21s on July 1 after a string of impressive displays for Altrincham in the Blue Square Bet Conference North.
The teenager was a school pupil in Cheadle until he left last summer after completing his A levels.
He captained the school’s first team and spent six years at Manchester United’s academy before joining Altrincham.
Danny Thomson, head of boys PE at Cheadle Hulme School, where Duncan was a pupil, said: “Duncan was always a class player.
“He captained the First XI team with passion and enthusiasm, leading by example. He was pacey and always had a natural talent. We are all very proud of him.”
Duncan was voted Altrincham’s player of the season by the fans and scored 15 goals in 35 starts for the senior team.
His form helped Altrincham to the first round of the FA Cup and the Blue Square North play-offs and
had a number of Premiership and Championship clubs after his signature.
Duncan said: “I am delighted at the opportunity Sunderland have given me and excited by the move.
“They have one of the finest academies in England, and the Sunderland people have been very welcoming and professional throughout.
“I also want to put on record my thanks to Altrincham for giving me my chance and developing me.”
Sunderland academy manager Ged McNamee said: “We are pleased to welcome Duncan to the club and wish him the best of luck.”
Duncan is studying economics and finance at university and will continue to study for his degree while at Sunderland.
His contract with the club runs from July to June 2015.
