Preston North End are set to complete the loan signing of Manchester United midfielder Matthew James.

The England U20 midfielder will sign a deal when the emergency loan window opens on Tuesday with the 18-year-old agreeing to join the Lilywhites until the end of the season.

James is a versatile and adaptable player who is no stranger to Deepdale, having scored a stunning 30-yard screamer in last season's Lancashire Youth Cup.

The Red Devils' U18 boss Paul McGuinness describes the Rochdale-born central midfielder as: "A very good all-round footballer with good technique. He can pass short and long and he's good in the air. His versatility is a real asset to the team."

James' talents came to the fore in the 2008/09 season as he did as much as anyone to propel Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Reserves to second place in the Premier Reserve League North. He also shone in the Reds' successful cup runs, including the cracking long-range goal against North End in the Lancashire Senior Cup semi-final victory. In fact, James showed a real eye for goal all season - especially from distance - and ended the campaign with four goals to his name.

His progress was duly noted by those at the top, who offered him professional forms on 1st July 2009. This season he was one of five young Reds included in United's Champions League squad in Wolfsburg having been on the bench for the Hull City game at the end of last season. He also travelled with the England U20 squad to the World Cup in September and a is a regular part of the international set up.

James has been given the No.23 squad number and goes straight into the squad for Tuesday night's visit of Sheffield United to Deepdale.