Midfield prospect Lee Atkinson has opted to join Blackburn Rovers after a Premiership tug-of-war with Manchester United.

The York teenager, who was formerly with York City's school of excellence, agreed a five-year deal with Rovers, who have invested heavily in youth this summer.

Atkinson's link-up with Rovers follows on from the Lancashire club's £7.4million capture of 21-year-old striker Kevin Davies from Southampton and the £1million buy of 17-year-old winger Jimmy Corbett from Gillingham.

Rovers got the draw on United, who were initially favourites to sign the Chapelfields' youngster after a successful trial at Old Trafford.

United offered a two-year deal, but Rovers' offer - confirmed after Atkinson starred in a trial match against Bury - takes the 14-year-old through to the next five years.

Said his jubilant father Gary Atkinson, a former York RI player of ten years' standing; "They have given Lee two years as an associate schoolboy, a one-year scholarship, and another two years as a professional. He is obviously delighted."

Lee began playing organised football with York Minor League side Hamilton Panthers at the age of nine, originally as wide midfielder. He linked up with City's School of excellence when he was 12, spending two years there.

But under current FA rules once he has reached 14 a youngster can then enter the 'open market. While City offered Lee another two years the lure of the Premiership was irresistible.

Now the Oaklands School pupil is gearing himself up for Rovers' duty in a youth tournament in Ireland next month followed by a trip to Staffordshire against top-rated European youth sides such as Ajax.

York City will be entitled to a small amount of compensation from Blackburn Rovers after signing Lee Atkinson.

Club secretary Keith Usher confirmed there was a period after leaving at the age of 14 when a youngster could consider approaches from other clubs.

He added that under the new football charter espoused by ex-Leeds United manager Howard Wilkinson professional clubs will be able to sign youngsters on for much longer spells, provided parents agreed.

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