Preston North End have completed the permanent signing of young Manchester United midfielder Ben Pearson on a deal until 2018.
The England youth international has made the switch to Deepdale following two separate loan stints with Barnsley, for whom he made 50 appearances.
"We knew about Ben while he was at Manchester United and he was the right age to go out and get some games and we have kept our eye on him whilst he has been at Barnsley," manager Simon Grayson told the club's official website.
"He has played close on 50 games on the spin for them. He has played as a holding midfield player, played in a three getting forward and we see him as energetic, box-to-box, likes a tackle and coming from Manchester United he is decent on the ball as well.
"He's at the right age; wants to go and make a good career in the game and we are delighted that we have been backed by the owner to spend the money to bring Ben here and also delighted he has come here and committed his future to being a Championship player and beyond."
Preston have confirmed that the 21-year-old, who has been handed the No.4 shirt, will go straight into the squad for tomorrow's Championship clash away at Bristol City.
Liam Apicella
