MANAGER Alan Knill is hoping to bolster his Scunthorpe United squad for next season with a player he believes is one of the most exciting young talents in the country.

He is Manchester United's teenage winger Nicky Ajose, who he had on a season-long loan at Bury.

The 19-year-old has scored 12 times in 27 league appearances for the Shakers to help them clinch promotion from League Two.

Knill has fostered close relationships with the reserve and youth team bosses at Old Trafford – and is hoping to use that to his advantage to bring Ajose to Glanford Park.

"Yes, we have made an inquiry about Ajose, though not to the man at the top (Sir Alex Ferguson)," the Scunthorpe manager confessed.

"He is a player who we would be interested in buying, or having here on a season-long loan.

"But the decision is not ours, it will be a decision of the top football club in the world.

"Obviously I would like to bring Nicky to Scunthorpe.

"He is only 19 and the next stage for him in his development is a step up.

"Whether it's a step up to League One or to the Championship is really in Manchester United's hands.

"But we are hopeful they will think we will develop him again – which we definitely will.

"He is one of a few young players at the top of my wish list."

Ajose, who has represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 level, is also qualified to play for Nigeria and was called up by them for the African Youth Championships two years ago.

He signed his first professional contract at Old Trafford in 2009 and has recently put pen to paper on a new three-year deal.

Bury are his hometown club and he joined them last September, initially on a three-month loan which was later extended to the full campaign.

"Manchester United saw how we coached our players (at Bury) and they obviously thought we could develop Nicky," said Knill.

"When you bring someone in from a place like Old Trafford they come in with such a good attitude.

"Nicky was always the first player in at the club in the morning, first player out on the training ground, and last person off it.

"He always wanted to work. He was in the gym doing stretches and strengthening exercises, and it rubbed off on my players at Bury.

"He did really well at Gigg Lane, he is a top player.

"He is at the right age and is exciting.

"When you see someone young, talented and exciting, it gives everybody a lift."