Lincoln City’s sporting director has made a very interesting admission after winning the race for one of Tottenham’s brightest young attacking prospects, Mason Melia.
Many of Tottenham’s academy players were part of the club’s pre-season tour to Australia and New Zealand, thus being given a chance to catch the eye of Roberto De Zerbi.
Many of them have also been involved in pre-season friendly action, thus allowing the new Spurs boss a chance to judge who can be part of his project in the future.
An 18-year-old forward, who came on as a second-half substitute against Sydney FC, has now sealed a loan move away from the club.
Tottenham starlet Mason Melia is excited ahead of his first taste of Championship football
It was announced on Wednesday that Mason Melia had completed a loan switch to Championship newcomers Lincoln City, just six months on from arriving at Hotspur Way from St Patrick’s Athletic.
On completing the move, the youngster admitted that he was made to feel really wanted in his conversations with Lincoln and confessed that he is itching to get his first taste of senior English football.
Melia told Lincoln City’s website: “I’m delighted to be here and get everything completed. Everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming, and I’m excited to get going in the Championship.
“The ambition of the club really stood out to me. Our first conversation was a bit mad because we were trying to work around all the different time zones while I was in Australia, but once we got everyone together the presentation was unbelievable. It played a huge part in my decision to come here because it showed me the club’s vision and what we can achieve together.
“It made me feel really wanted, which is important as a footballer. I came away from that meeting buzzing. My aim is to score goals, help the team in every way I can and contribute to a successful season for the club. I’m really excited for what’s ahead.”
Lincoln City director admits huge Melia competition
The Republic of Ireland international is considered one of the best young Irish prospects at the moment, likened to Spurs legend Robbie Keane for his movement and finishing.
Lincoln City sporting director Jez George revealed that the newly promoted Championship side had to see off competition from around 30 clubs to land the 18-year-old.
George added: “Mason is a player that we knew about in the League of Ireland, playing under Stephen Kenny at Pats, and we first enquired to Tottenham about him in January. “It has been well documented in the press that we beat up to 30 other clubs for his signature, and he is an exceptional talent who we feel can make a big impact for us in the Championship.
“He shows maturity beyond his years, physically and mentally, displaying all the traits we value out of possession, as well as moments of magic in the final third and a real instinct to score goals.”