Former Manchester United rookie Jack Barmby leaves Leicester for MLS side Portland Timbers

Leicester City youngster Jack Barmby, the former Manchester United rookie, has joined Portland Timbers on loan– and the striker does not expect to return.

Barmby, son of former England midfielder Nicky, moved to Leicester from United in July 2014 but has failed to break into the Foxes' first-team.

He spent time on loan at Rotherham and Notts County during 2015 and Portland have now announced that the forward has arrived on loan pending receipt of his International Transfer Clearance.

Officially, Barmby's arrival will go down as a 'Discovery Signing' and Gavin Wilkinson, the Timbers general manager, said: "Acquiring Jack on loan with an option to retain long-term presents a great opportunity for both the player and the club.

"For his age he has very good experience at many levels, and we look forward to him joining the club."

However, Barmby himself does not expect to return to Leicester at all and believes he has already signed a permanent deal with the MLS side.

He wrote on Twitter: "Timbers fans it's not a loan I have signed. Looking forward to getting out there now."