Cypriot title holders have reportedly tabled a lucrative offer for Manchester United teenager Nicholas Ioannou after the defender did not sign a professional contract with the Red Devils.
According Super Sport FM, the 19-year-old has released a three-year offer from Giorgos Donis’ side and is said to be tempted with a return to the island.
Other media reports, however, suggest that he prefers to give England another go and that two clubs, Everton and Charlton Athletic, are said to be interested in handing him professional contracts.
Donis is reportedly keen on bringing the youngster back to Cyprus as he can easily play both in the centre of defence but also on the left and will be seen as a valuable addition to the squad this summer that will attempt to break back into the Champions League for a record third time.
They are currently three points behind league leaders AEL in the end-of-season playoffs.
Ioannou, who is also a Cyprus under-19 international, earned praise when he first arrived in England and caught the eye of many at Old Trafford after breaking into the under-18 side despite being only 16 at the time.
Last weekend, Cyprus boss Pambos Christodoulou flew to England to watch Ioannou in action for his side against Tottenham in a Premier Academy league match. Ioannou is the son of Doxa Katokopia boss Demetris Ioannou, who enjoyed a successful career as defender himself for Anorthosis Famagusta, Apollon Limassol and Cyprus which he also captained.
According to Ioannou’s profile page on Manchester United’s official website, Ioannou is described as “a promising centre-back who impressed all observers when plunged into Under-18 action as a raw schoolboy in 2011/2012”.
It goes on to read, “Although he clearly has much to learn, the imposing defender never looked out of place when pitched against some of the best players in the country at an age group two years higher than his Under-16 status and performed admirably during the FA Youth Cup run.
“One astounding goalline clearance in the thrilling quarter-final with Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford enabled the Reds to win the tie deep into stoppage time and he competed well against Chelsea’s lively forwards at the last-four stage. By notching 10 appearances in all, each as a starter, it’s fair to say he’s ahead of schedule and it is easy to see why reporters in Cyprus are excited by his potential.”
Ioannou had picked up an injury last year but worked his way back to full fitness.