FORMER Burnley youth team prospect Callum Styles has signed a two-and-a-half year professional deal with League One side Bury.

The 16-year-old joined the Shakers in March 2016 after his release at Turf Moor and he has gone from strength to strength since.

The midfielder made his professional debut as a second half substitute in Bury's 3-2 win over Southend on the final day of last season, and this season he started four times in the league for Bury, as well as coming off the bench last Saturday against Chesterfield.

Styles' debut against Southend made him the first player born in the new millennium to appear in the Football League and this season he has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.

He has now signed a professional contract at Gigg Lane after initially signing on scholarship terms, and Bury's youth team manager Ryan Kidd suggested they had been surprised they were able to sign the teenager just under a year ago.

"Callum came to us, at the tail end of last season, having been released, surprisingly, from Burnley FC," he said.

"Mark Litherland had worked with Callum quite a few years ago, and told me, he is the best talent he has ever coached.

"We beat off several Championship clubs for his signature, and it wasn't long before we knew we had someone special in the building. Callum has progressed his all round game this season to new heights and his work rate is now matching his undoubted talent."

After his second half showing against the Spireites at the weekend, Bury's new boss Lee Clark said: “I saw a glimpse of young Callum on the training ground and thought we had something, but then I saw him when he came on to the pitch at Chesterfield, and wow – he was awesome.

"He is an unbelievable talent and a very special player. He was very impressive when he came on in the game, and he, along with George Miller, made a difference."