Man City pull ahead of Man United in the race for Dexter Oliver | OneFootball

Manchester United risk losing out on Dexter Oliver as Manchester City are “advancing in talks” to sign the 16-year-old starlet from Tottenham Hotspur, according to Fabrizio Romano.

United were reported to be interested in a raid for the attacking midfielder, considered one of the standout prospects in Spurs’ academy.

The Reds have demonstrated a renewed focus on securing the best young talent from across the globe since INEOS assumed control of the football operation at Old Trafford last year.

A successful domestic raid on Arsenal to sign Chido Obi (17) and Ayden Heaven (18) was buttressed by deals for Sekou Kone (19) from Mali and Diego Leon (18) from Paraguay last season.

Last week, United made a move for Southampton starlet Harley Emsden-James, demonstrating the continued emphasis on signing academy talent.

And the Mancunian side were ready to pounce on another youngster from a Premier League rival in the form of Oliver.

A source with close connections to Spurs describes Oliver as a “top academy talent” who the Lilywhites were keen to lock down on his first professional contract as United circled.

Oliver was reported to have rebuffed attempts to sign a “two-year scholarship proposal” at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the youngster considering options elsewhere in England.

Both Manchester clubs are tracking the 16-year-old but it is City who have struck first, Romano reveals, as part of their “strategy to develop top young players.”

Tweet: “Understand Manchester City are advancing in talks to sign talented midfielder Dexter Oliver from Spurs. Negotiations are beginning to advance with clear strategy to develop top young players.

The Italian transfer guru contends “negotiations are beginning to advance” to complete a switch to the Etihad.

But the deal is far from completion and United can still strike to add another one of the country’s standout stars to the growing collection at Old Trafford.

Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social