Manchester United poach Liverpool wonderkid after Arsenal raid academy for young striker | OneFootball

Isaac Konde has been lured to Old Trafford days after Gunners agree deal to sign Vincent Joseph

Manchester United have landed a huge transfer coup by luring Liverpool wonderkid Isaac Konde to Old Trafford.

According to widespread reports, the 16-year-old is decided to leave Liverpool for their long-time rivals. The teenager has attracted significant attention despite his age, having become a regular for Liverpool’s Under-18 side.

The teenager has featured six times for Liverpool in the Under-18s Premier League, producing one assist.

Konde is said to be regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Liverpool's academy and his proposed move represents an eye-catching piece of business for United as they continue to invest in their youth structure. United have increasingly placed an emphasis on developing young talent and integrating academy players into the first-team set-up.

The teenager will now begin the next stage of his development in Manchester.

Isaac Konde

London Standard

The move comes days after promising pair James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye left Man Utd’s academy for Arsenal, and is the latest deal in a trend of England’s biggest clubs poaching youngsters from their rivals.

Man Utd also saw young forward Louie Bradbury join Stoke on a permanent basis.

Liverpool are also set to lose young striker Vincent Joseph to Arsenal, with the two clubs currently discussing a fee settlement for the 16-year-old. Man Utd were also keen on Joseph.

The Reds have been busy identifying young talent from further ahead in recent years.

Mor Talla Ndiaye joined from Senegalese outfit Amitie FC in January, before Ifeanyi Ndukwe arrived from Austria Wien earlier this summer. Ndukew has signed joined La Liga side Levante on loan for the season.

A deal if also in place for Colombian youngster Samuel Martinez, who will join in a deal worth around £750,000 when he turns 18 next April.