When finalised, the deal is likely to mean promising youngsters at United being sent to Livingston for first-team experience, whilst the Barclaycard Premiership champions are alerted to promising talent at Almondvale.

Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon said: “Things with Livingston aren’t finalised but they will be very shortly.

“We have several relationships like it throughout the world and we’re hopeful this one will be just as successful.

“Livi are in a good catchment area and we see this as a long-term arrangement between the clubs.

“Manchester United used to get a lot of players from Scotland. That has dried up in recent years so maybe this will help change that.”