Liverpool open talks with Manchester City attacking midfielder ‘expected to leave’ this month | OneFootball

Manchester City are facing a last-ditch scramble to try and secure the longer-term services of primary Academy talent Xavier Parker amid Liverpool interest.

While senior figures have spent time tackling first-team market objectives – such as fending off rival interest from Manchester United for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson – retaining their finest teenage talent remains a core objective.

Xavier Parker’s development has made him a prized target across youth circles, notably maintaining a goal or assist every 73.9 minutes for City in the Under-18 Premier League last season.

However, with his terms rapidly ticking down toward an expiration on June 30, the power dynamic has dramatically shifted toward the player’s camp with Liverpool looking to execute a major youth coup before City have opportunity to persuade otherwise.

Man City face Liverpool transfer interest for Academy star

Now, according to the information of The Secret Scout, Liverpool have started contractual negotiations with the representatives of highly-rated Manchester City attacking midfielder Xavier Parker, with both parties wanting the move and the player being an Anfield fan.

The 16-year-old talent is reportedly expected to leave the City Football Academy for Merseyside at the end of June when his contract expires amid ongoing interest from other clubs. As for City, they are said to have already targeted ‘top talent’ replacements.

However, according to follow-up reporting from Fabrizio Romano, City officials are ‘actively working hard’ to reach an agreement with Parker’s camp over new deal, with no firm decision made on the teenager’s future.

Why the City Football Academy are eyeing a swift replacement

Should Xavier Parker ultimately follow his boyhood heart and seal a permanent move to Anfield under Andoni Iraola, Manchester City may still be entitled to training compensation.

Rather than panicking over a potential exit, the youth recruitment team at the Etihad Stadium has already run scouting operations on alternative prospects, ensuring the academy’s production line of talent across positions remains steady.

If Manchester City can successfully persuade the midfielder to snub his boyhood club in favour of a long-term progression path in East Manchester, it will mark a significant statement of intent and highlight the club’s standing in English football’s academy system.