Manchester United are ready to steal wonderkid Charlie McNeill from under the nose of neighbours and rivals Manchester City.
McNeill, who is a boyhood United fan, and began in the United youth set-up, but made the switch to City six years ago, and has scored an astonishing 600 goals at youth level.
However, he has rejected the chance to sign professional terms at the Etihad because he has found it hard to break into the under-18 side there, and now he is looking for a fresh challenge.
Due to his age, the clubs would either need to agree a fee between them for the England under-16 international or leave it to a tribunal to decide the sum involved.
United are not the only club interested in McNeill’ situation. Newly promoted Leeds are also monitoring developments, whilst Wolves could also be ready to step in if negotiations between the two Manchester clubs break down.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.