Worcester City starlet Sam Wedgbury is expected to join Sheffield United for an undisclosed five-figure fee.

The talented 16-year-old midfielder should complete his switch to the Championship side this week after impressing Blades bosses during a three-week trial.

Whizz-kid Wedgbury will sign for the Bramall Lane club on a scholarship, with the promise of a full-time contract when he reaches 18.

Along with a healthy transfer fee, City will receive other benefits from the South Yorkshire giants.

Wedgbury can continue playing for Andy Preece's side for the remainder of this season on 'work-experience', while United have agreed to play a pre-season friendly this summer at St George's Lane.

It is an incredible outcome for the Oldbury-based youngster, plucked from City's youth team last September after a handful of starts to make his first-team debut in the 7-0 FA Cup second qualifying round victory over Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

Wedgbury scored a memorable 20-yard goal against Bemerton and is now approaching 20 appearances for the St George's Lane club.

"It is such a fantastic opportunity for Sam, especially with Sheffield United's position at the top of the Championship," said Worcester manager Preece. "It's such a massive club.

"Sam has made a big impression with everybody at Sheffield."

City chairman Dave Boddy added: "It's a fabulous opportunity for Sam and a fabulous deal for Worcester City.

"I believe we will miss Sam as a player and that's the biggest compliment I can pay him.

"I think he's got all the attributes to make it to the very top.

"His attitude to the game is absolutely first class and the way Sam conducts himself shows maturity beyond his years. I've been delighted with him.

"Sheffield United must also be praised for the way they have conducted themselves in all of this. Their attitude has been first class."

Wedgbury's transfer also represents a success story for City's football development scheme and its long-running partnership with Worcester College of Technology.

Boddy added: "The scheme has been running for five years and while it has produced players that have gone on to play for our first team, such as Liam McDonald and Shabir Khan, this is the first time that we've produced a player that has gone to a Football League club for a fee.

"That's testament to a lot of hard work by Ray Woods and his staff and the excellent working partnership we have with the college."