Ethan Wheatley’s loan move to Championship side Lincoln City has been confirmed.

The Manchester United striker said: “I’ve been waiting for this to get over the line for quite a while and I’m just really excited to get here, meet all the lads and get going. I played against Lincoln last season and didn’t really enjoy it, so I’m glad to be part of the team now.

“I’ve had some loans over the past 18 months. I started in League Two, then last season League One so am looking forward to stepping up to the Championship. Lincoln City is a great place for me to showcase what I’m about, but more importantly help the club in what they aspire to do this season.”

Sporting director Jez George said: “This has been a signing that, for reasons out of our hands, has been delayed by a few weeks, so we are delighted to finally get it done. Ethan can play anywhere across the top line and has a skill set that will add elite athleticism and pace, as well as technical ability, to our attacking options.

“We have tracked Ethan since his first loan at Walsall and, after speaking with staff at Manchester United and meeting Ethan ourselves, we know he has benefited from his previous loans and is ready for this challenge. He has the attributes, versatility, maturity and work ethic to make a real impact for us at the top end of our team.”

The 20-year-old striker joined Cobblers from United last summer and progressed well after a slow start, so much so he was one of the team’s most important players as Christmas approached, netting three times and helping Town into the top half of League One.

Wheatley was surprisingly recalled from his loan spell at Sixfields in January and subsequently joined Bradford for the rest of the season. However, he only made six starts for Graham Alexander’s Bantams, failing to score once, and was not even in the squad for City’s two play-off games against Bolton.

Nonetheless, Wheatley’s spell with Northampton impressed a number of clubs and there was plenty of speculation over his future this summer. Having been linked with German club Schalke and Dutch side SC Cambuur, as well as a permanent move to Everton, he is now heading to the Championship.