Whelan becomes latest member of loan brigade

The 20-year-old has forced his way into Ricky Sbragia's line-up this season but will spend the remainder of the campaign at League Two side Port Vale.

The deadline-day deal represents a first loan move away from United for the Yorkshireman.

"I’ve been here 11 or 12 years now, and I’ve improved every year," he told us last month. "It's a great place to be, to grow as a person and player as well.

"The local teams were all there first, I had a think but, as soon as United came in, I didn’t think of anyone else after that. I came here very early and I’ve not looked back since. Obviously, I made the right decision.

"There are still a few of us here, I think there are five of us from way back then so every year we're pushing ourselves on and helping each other reach the next step."

Vale also signed West Brom defender Kyle Howkins earlier on the last day of the window as they aim to climb up the table from their present position of 18th, following Neil Aspin's resignation as manager on Wednesday.

Whelan follows Joel Pereira, Regan Poole, Matty Willock, Ethan Hamilton, Tom Sang and Zak Dearnley in leaving the Reds on loan during the window.

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