06 April 2023 , 07:12
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The son of Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs has seen his hopes of landing a professional contract dampened after a trial with Sheffield United.
Zach, 16, has been part of the Red Devils’ academy since at least 2019 as he attempts to follow in his Dad’s footsteps on the football pitch. The Wales U17 international has been part of the under-18 side at Carrington over the last couple of seasons.
Despite his promise, it appears that Giggs junior could be set to quit the club sooner rather than later. The defender is currently on trial with Championship side Sheffield United as confirmed by Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom.
However, a move to Bramall Lane would be tricky. Sheffield Utd are currently in the midst of an EFL-imposed transfer embargo for failing to meet repayments on player purchases.
That ban extends down to academy level, meaning that Giggs would not be able to put pen to paper on any professional deal. Scholarship terms could see a deal become more possible but any compensation heading to Old Trafford would complicate things further.
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Asked about the prospect of potentially signing Giggs by Yorkshire Live, Blades’ boss Heckingbottom replied: "There's nothing I can say on it, but I know he's [Giggs] in. It would be Del [Derek Geary, Academy Manager] making a decision on that.
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"We had a meeting last week talking about the scholars and the lads who are going to stay on and be a first-year pro. It's important to be involved in it but I want them to back their decision. It wouldn't be independent but if someone has been working with a player for four weeks and wants to put their name to them then brilliant, I'll back them.
"I don't know Zach's situation [with Man United]. I am not privy to it at all but we can't sign players. We have had lads in who we want to sign but we can't sign them and we have lost some and they have gone elsewhere or they are on trial elsewhere now.
“If we get it lifted we can start recruiting again. It's still the same in the academy if you are a pro. If someone is coming in as a pro we can't sign them, it all depends on the type of contract."
Zach’s Dad Ryan played his entire career at Old Trafford. He made 963 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 168 goals. He won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and a whole host of other trophies during his stint. .
The now 49-year-old previously admitted that he regularly visited Carrington to watch his son in action. Speaking in 2019, Giggs said: "I’m actually there every Tuesday and Thursday because my son trains there. I am there quite a bit at night.
“Nicky Butt [United's head of academy] is there and I sometimes go in for a coffee with Nick too.”