By David Kent

PUBLISHED: 05:32 EST, 30 October 2012 | UPDATED: 05:33 EST, 30 October 2012

Arsenal will battle Manchester United for the 3million signature of highly-rated Crewe striker Max Clayton.

The 18-year-old, who has been likened to Michael Owen, is the latest product of the prestigious Gresty Road production line. He has made 48 appearances since his first-team debut in April 2010.

Clayton, who has represented England at every age group from Under 16 has been watched by scouts from Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle.

'The new Owen': Crewe striker Max Clayton (left), who has been likened to former England striker Michael Owen (right), is on Arsenal's and United's radar

Arsenal are now ready to make a move when the January transfer window opens, with manager Arsene Wenger being alerted to Clayton's progress by his former assistant, now scout, Pat Rice.

Gunners staff watched the Crewe youngster in games against Portsmouth and then Walsall earlier this month, and Wenger was handed promising reports on the striker, who has been likened to ex-England star Owen because of his movement in the box.

CLAYTON'S KEY STATS

Date of birth: 9 August 1994
Place of birth: Crewe, England
Height: 5ft 9in

Senior career
2011–     Crewe 48 apps (9 goals)

National
2010     England U16     5     (2)
2010–2011     England U17     20     (4)
2011–     England U18     2     (0)
2012–     England U19     1     (0)

Follow him on Twitter @MaxJClayton

Arsenal scout's presence at those matches has prompted speculation that a potential deal with Crewe has already been secured, and while that was rebuffed by Alex boss Steve Davis, he has admitted that he expects Clayton to move on soon: 'I've had no inquiries about Max, only people watching, so it's only a rumour. He's not ready to go anywhere,' said Davis last week. 'When the situation is right he will leave to go in somebody's first team.'

Clayton is said to be valued at 3m by Crewe, who sold fellow teenager Nick Powell to Manchester United for a similar fee during the summer.

The comments below have not been moderated.

Better all round goal scoring rate than 99.9% of the Wanderers last season! You should buy him as you might increase your goal tally! Lol!

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He should go to little Arsenal as he would get straight in their first team then if he does well could move on to one of the Manchester clubs

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Arsenal can have him. Seen better younger players

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48 games, 9 goals - the new Michael Owen ? - Tony, London, United Kingdom, Exactly what I thought when I seen the stats. Owen was scoring way more in the prem and at 17. Hardly a good comparison is it. New Heskey more like.

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should go to Liverpool if that's the case, they made Owen a world class player. he didn't perform well with other teams to be honest.

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Sorry, I did'nt realise the daily mail had so many expert scouts as readers. Stick to the day job guys.

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Wonder if him and Powell are friends? If so, he is OT bound

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No Offence but his scoring record is not amazing. Owen's goal scoring record through youth teams was exceptional!

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The new Michael Owen...constantly injured, happy to warm the subs bench, likes horses.

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48 games, 9 goals - the new Michael Owen ?

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