Norwich City have confirmed the signing of Chilean Under-20 keeper Vicente Reyes.

Reyes will initially link up with the Canaries' development squad after sealing a 'long term' deal from MLS club Atlanta United.

The 19-year-old and his representative headed to the UK last week to finalise the deal, after he impressed at the Under-20 South American championships earlier this year.

“It feels amazing, it’s a dream come true to come to England," said Reyes, speaking to the club's Youtube channel, with the move subject to international clearance. "I spoke to the keeper coach (Ed Wootten) and said I want to take it day-by-day, and don’t get ahead of myself.

“I can’t wait to get started here.

"Being here in England is something I wanted to do. The earlier, the better for me to move here in terms of to keep developing. 

"I am a good shot stopper in general. I like to come and take crosses, I have good distribution and a long kick. The USL is more physical at home, and we had a younger squad trying to gain experience (at Atlanta United 2) so I definitely learned a lot. This type of football is something to get used to. More technical and more physical and I can’t wait to dive in.”

No transfer fee is referenced by the Canaries in their official confirmation of a move for Reyes, who reportedly had six months left on his junior Atlanta deal.

But the MLS side's technical director, Carlos Bocanegra, told his club's official site. “Ultimately, this was a situation where an opportunity arose that made sense for both parties to accept the transfer. We wish him the best of luck at Norwich and in his future endeavours.

"A member of our inaugural academy class, Vicente followed the club’s player pathway to earn a professional contract and has served the club well during his time here."

The highly-rated teenager was on the bench as an unused substitute in April for Atlanta's 3-1 MLS defeat to Nashville, but made 16 appearances for Atlanta’s second team in the second tier USL Championship last season, along with nine outings this current season in the MLS Next Pro league.

Scottish international Angus Gunn and Dutch international Tim Krul are now City’s senior keepers following the close-season departure of Michael McGovern.

But the Canaries have crop of younger prospects including Archie Mair, Dan Barden and Jon McCracken.

Reports in Chile prior to Reyes' signing suggested City were undecided whether he will remain part of the club’s development pool in the short term, or go out on loan.

The 19-year-old's arrival to bolster the club's development squad follows the recent capture of fellow teen Kellen Fisher, who was part of Bromley's run to the National League play-offs last season.

Reyes was born in South Carolina but opted to represent the land of his parents and was an ever present in 'La Roja' Under-20s four games at the South American championships held in Colombia earlier this year, won by Brazil’s Under-20s.  

Prior to that he was part of the Chile Under-17s squad at the Under-17 World Cup in 2019.

City have embarked on a twin track approach to their summer recruitment, with the likes of Ashley Barnes, Jack Stacey and Shane Duffy all part of David Wagner's plans. 

Discussions continue over adding Spanish wide player Borja Sainz, who has a relegation clause in his deal with former Turkish Super Lig side Giresunspor.