By SIMON JONES
Published: 15:49 EST, 16 December 2025 | Updated: 15:49 EST, 16 December 2025
Manchester United and Arsenal have missed out on teenage prospect George Shepherd after he agreed to sign his first professional contract with hometown club Coventry City.
United and Arsenal have both been following the midfielder, who has been included in manager Frank Lampard's first team squad this season, aware that he had still to sign a deal with the Championship pacesetters.
However, the 17-year-old has decided to shun interest from Premier League sides in a bid to realise his dream and play for Coventry City's first team.
Former Chelsea and England midfielder Lampard is understood to have played a major part in convincing Shepherd after showing a willingness to make him part of the senior set-up as reward for his performances in the youth ranks.
Shepherd, who was on the bench for the Sky Blues' Championship games against Blackburn Rovers and Watford, has just returned from a knee injury to figure in the FA Youth Cup. Shepherd played a notable part as Coventry beat midlands rivals Birmingham City 4-1 on Monday to progress to the fourth round.
On signing his new deal, Shepherd said: 'I’m buzzing to sign my first professional contract.
Teenage prospect George Shepherd (right) has signed a new deal with Coventry City
'I’m a Coventry lad and I can’t wait to get started.
I want to work hard, get that debut, make a name for myself and do what I’ve always wanted to do which is play for Coventry.'
Head coach Lampard, who had encouraged Shepherd to stay amid initial interest from United, said: 'I’m pleased that George has signed his first professional contract. He’s impressed me with his training, his work ethic and he’s a really good lad.
'He’s a Coventry fan and a local boy so I’m delighted for him.'