NEWPORT County AFC academy graduate Regan Poole completed his dream move to Manchester United more than a month ago but the Argus can reveal that red tape is still preventing his Red Devils debut.

The 17-year-old swapped Rodney Parade for Old Trafford on September 1 but United are still waiting for international clearance for the move.

FIFA Regulations require National Associations to issue an International Transfer Certificate for any player over the age of 12 moving from one National Association to another, including across UK borders.

In the five weeks since the deal was done – for a fee that could eventually net County around £400,000 – Poole has been unable to play in a competitive fixture for Paul McGuinness’ United academy side.

Instead he’s had to make do with a handful of friendly appearances while he settles in Manchester.

Speaking about the move last month, then Exiles boss Terry Butcher said: "It is every boy's dream to play for Manchester United; it's a wonderful opportunity for him at such a magnificent club.”

But the delay in paperwork has left Poole frustrated as he returns home this month for a training camp with Wales under-19s.

Poole links up again with County’s Aaron Collins in the squad at Newport’s Dragon Park to prepare for the UEFA Under-19 Championship qualifying round in Georgia in November.

Wales’ other opponents will be top seeds Austria and Albania.

County defender Liam Angel will join the Wales under-17s for a training camp to prepare for the UEFA Under-17 Championship qualifying round at the end of this month, which will be hosted at Dragon Park

The Netherlands, Switzerland and Albania will make up group one alongside Wales.

Poole was nominated for young player of the year at this week’s Football Association of Wales Awards dinner in Cardiff.

He missed out to Wales under-21s star Tommy O’Sullivan, younger brother of former County favourite Sam O’Sullivan, but was delighted to have been shortlisted.

“It’s been an incredible night,” said Poole. “It’s great to be nominated and well done to Tommy on winning.

“Our nation always believes in young players and what we’re doing with the under-17s and the under-19s now sums that up.

“We’re following what the seniors are doing and hopefully they can finish the job at the weekend against Bosnia.”