Man Utd are locked in a fierce battle with Manchester City to sign the talented teenager.
Manchester World revealed last week United are competing with City to sign the teenage Hearts midfielder, who has also attracted interest from both Liverpool and Brighton. It is understood McMeekin has yet to make any decision on his future but is aware of the intense interest from several Premier League clubs in his signature.
The 15-year-old was given a tour of the club's Carrington training complex last month, where he was joined by both his family and his agent. McMeekin was also invited on a tour of the City Football Academy and the facilities he could expect if he opted for a move to Manchester, as well as a visit to another unnamed Premier League club.
Read More
United or City would be required to pay a compensation package to Hearts in order to cover his training costs, though the Scottish Premiership side have also put forward their own contract offer as they look to keep hold of one of their most exciting youth prospects. McMeekin would not be allowed to sign a professional contract in Scotland until he turns 16 next February, though he could join an English club before then on scholarship terms.
At the age of 15, McMeekin is already a Scotland U17 international and has earned rave reviews for his performances throughout the various age groups with both club and country. He has most recently featured for the Hearts B team and has also been a regular in first-team training under Derek McInnes and has featured in behind-closed-door senior fixtures.
The teenage midfielder has a difficult decision to make as he weighs up the next step in his journey. While a move to England might seem the obvious next step, several young players have progressed from the club's academy into the first-team squad in recent years and McMeekin could expect senior opportunities earlier if he remained in Scotland.
James Wilson, Adam Forrester, Macaulay Tait, Finlay Pollock and Aidan Denholm have all made the step from youth football to the first-team, and striker Wilson was in a similar situation to McMeekin when he rejected offers from United, Aston Villa and Leeds to sign a professional contract with Hearts at the age of 16. Earlier this year, he became the youngest senior Scotland international in their history when he made got his first cap against Greece at Hampden Park aged 18 years and 17 days.
Continue Reading