Edwards kept tabs on Chong since new recruit’s Man Utd days

Luton manager Rob Edwards says he’s been keeping an eye on new signing Tahith Chong since he was in the Manchester United youth set-up. 

The 23-year-old midfielder has become Town’s third new signing of the summer ahead of their debut season in the Premier League in a transfer from Birmingham City reported to be a club record fee of £4million.

And while most Hatters found out about his talents as he orchestrated a 5-0 Championship hammering at Kenilworth Road two years ago, which the Dutch youth international has spoken fondly of, Edwards has been an even longer admirer. 

“Tahith is someone that I, and the football club, have known for a very long time,” he told the club’s website, adding: “I first crossed paths with him when I was at Wolves a few years ago and he was in Man United Under-23s.

“I’ve liked him from then, and he was a bit more of a winger at the time. Looking at him in a lot more detail at Birmingham this year, he’s been able to play inside as a midfield player as well.

“Not only is he good technically, but athletically he’s shown another side to his game this year in the Championship, that his out-of-possession work was diligent, hard-working and reliable.

“He gives us some real quality as well and with the ball, an end product. He’s at a good age and he’s going to keep improving. I think he’s coming into a good environment that’s going to help him do that, give him a platform that will help him take risks and be brave.

“He’ll make mistakes, but I think he’ll thrive in our environment and we are excited to get him in the building.”