Athletic have made their first signing of the summer by swooping for Manchester United midfielder Kieran Lee on a free transfer.

The versatile 19-year-old - who can be deployed in central midfield or either full-back position - has penned a two-year deal after arriving at Boundary Park this afternoon.

Lee is Latics' first signing of the summer and will lend versatility to the squad after playing in a variety of positions whilst with United.

He made three senior appearances during his time at Old Trafford, in addition to featuring eight times during a spell on loan at Coca-Cola Championship side QPR last season.

The Stalybridge-born youngster made big strides with the Premier League giants, being made reserve team captain after penning a two-year professional contract at the end of the 2005/06 season.

He scored a sensational late winner on his debut in the televised Carling Cup clash at Crewe and also appeared against Southend United later in the competition.

A Premier League debut was to follow, against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on May 9, 2007.

Lee was awarded the Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year trophy at the end of the 2006/07 in recognition of his fine performances for the second string.

He was an unused substitute for the Champions' League game against Roma in December 2007 before joining QPR on loan in January 2008.

The player returned to Old Trafford at the end of the season, when Latics top brass stepped in with an approach to take him to Boundary Park.

Check oldhamathletic.co.uk later this afternoon for an exclusive chat with Latics' first signing of the summer.