Obertan caught the eye with some impressive displays for France U21s

Manchester United have signed French winger Gabriel Obertan from Bordeaux on a four-year contract.

The 20-year-old had also been linked with Arsenal as well as Italian sides Inter Milan and AC Milan.

"Gabriel is a player we have tracked for a few years now," United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's website.

"But because of his educational programme our efforts to get him have been delayed. We are delighted to get him now as he is an exciting prospect."

Obertan spent the second half of last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Lorient, where he made 15 appearances and scored once.

He scored against England Under-21s in March and took the most valuable player award at last month's Toulon International youth tournament.

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"I am very happy to join Manchester United," said the youngster, who will miss the club's pre-season tour of the Far East because of an injury.

"This is a big opportunity for me to play at such a great club. I am very excited to be here and I look forward to proving what I can do."

Manchester United have already signed 23-year-old Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia this summer as Ferguson tries to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, the world player of the year, who has joined Real Madrid for a world record £80m.

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