Manchester United eye midfielder raid on Manchester City for seven-figure starlet | OneFootball

The two bitter Manchester rivals could be about to engage in transfer business over the future of one of City’s most exciting young talents.

City are no strangers to developing highly-rated young prospects within the walls of the City Football Academy, having refined a globally recognised youth system that consistently produces elite-level footballers — whether for Pep Guardiola’s first-team or the wider game.

That growing reputation has naturally attracted attention from across Europe, with major clubs including those competing directly with Manchester City monitoring developments at academy level as closely as they do senior recruitment.

Some clubs have also taken an aggressive approach to poaching Manchester City’s youth products, taking advantage of contract situations or offering more immediate first-team opportunities to the most highly-rated starlets.

One example appears to be developing this summer, with Manchester United now believed to be targeting a highly promising midfielder from their local rivals. If a deal materialises, it would represent a rare instance of movement between the two, albeit at youth level.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Steven Railston, Manchester United are interested in signing Manchester City Academy midfielder, Tyrese Noubissie – who is expected to leave the City Football Academy this summer.

The 16-year-old only arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2023 for a reported £1 million fee, having started his youth academy journey with Leicester City, and has most recently attracted transfer attention from the likes of RB Leipzig and Strasbourg credited with an interest.

However, it is Manchester United who are now understood to be in talks with the teenage prospect, who could be lured to their Carrington training ground with the promise of a clear pathway to Ruben Amorim’s first-team.

Noubissie is believed to be a physically imposing and technically sound midfielder, known for his versatility and composure in possession, while his development within City’s youth setup had been closely watched by academy coaches.

The appeal of United’s youth strategy is likely to be a significant factor in any decision taken, with Amorim arguably offering a clearer and more accelerated pathway to senior football – something City are often more cautious with due to depth of their existing options.

City may attempt to negotiate a sell-on clause if they allow Noubissie to move to a direct rival, especially given the player’s potential. However, there is also the possibility of losing him for a lower development fee, should the player’s desire be to leave.

Looking ahead, whether Tyrese Noubissie chooses to remain in Manchester in red or blue, or instead moves abroad to one of the interested European clubs, his decision will be a reflection of how young talent increasingly prioritises a clear development plan over club prestige alone.