Manchester United are reportedly looking to snap up Charlie McNeill from under the noses of neighbours Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer window.
McNeill caught attention of many elite clubs after poaching a whopping 600 goals in the youth ranks.
The 16-year-old is said to have rejected a professional contract offer from Pep Guardiola’s team, which has prompted United to keep track of him.
Taking into consideration the player’s age, both clubs will either have to decide the financial details by tribunal or agree on a training compensation fee for him.
Per reports from the Daily Mail, McNeil’s numbers in the youth system is likely to see him command a seven-figure sum from any interested party.
The Citizens are also believed to include a number of performance-related add-ons in any fee but would first need to make progress in talks with their cross-city rivals.
The England international is known to be a boyhood Red Devils fan and spent time in the United’s junior side before making the move to join City six years ago.
However, opportunities in his rising career have come at the Etihad, where he has played very little for the club’s Under-18 side and is looking for a new challenge.
City would not stand in the way of the youngster should he decide to move on but would demand a fee that suits McNeil’s potential.
Wolverhampton and Leeds United are also said to be monitoring the situation of the teenager ahead of a possible approach in the summer.
McNeill wrote on Instagram last month: “A massive thank you to Man City for everything over the past six years. It’s been such a pleasure to play with some amazing players and I’ve made some amazing friends too.
“Thanks to all the staff and players for helping me develop as a player and also as a person. I wish everyone the best.”
Manchester United have been involved in bringing great young talents into their youth setup, with the most recent addition of Joe Hugill and the imminent incoming of Alvarez Fernandez (from Real Madrid) and Jurado (from Barcelona). McNeill is now looking more likely to be part of United’s next generational talent.