United swoop for France U21 star Obertan
Obertan, 20, yesterday sealed his switch from French title winners Bordeaux by signing a deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2013.
United have not disclosed the fee, with reports in this country placing it at £8m but media in France estimating it as around the £3m mark.
And having been plucked from the fringes of the Ligue 1 side, Obertan is eager to prove he is good enough to play for the Champions League runners-up.
“I am very happy to join Manchester United,” said Obertan. “This is a big opportunity for me to play at such a great club. I am very excited to be here and I look forward to proving what I can do.”
Obertan endured a mixed 2008-09 campaign and was shipped out on loan to Lorient after failing to cement a place in Laurent Blanc’s team.
He reminded scouts of his potential at last month’s Toulon international youth tournament, where his displays for France Under-20s earned him the Most Valuable Player accolade.
But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisted yesterday he had been tracking Obertan for some time.
“Gabriel is a player we have tracked for a few years now, but because of his educational programme our efforts to get him here have always been delayed,” he said.
“We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect. We like to get young players and develop them, and we will see that in Gabriel over the next two years.”
Obertan becomes Ferguson’s third signing of the close season, following £18m Wigan winger Antonio Valencia and England striker Michael Owen, who joined on a free transfer from Newcastle.