Man Utd and Man City go head-to-head and 'schedule transfer meetings' for Welsh wonderkids

Manchester United might be miles off their city neighbours on the field right now, but they’re reportedly set to go into battle with them off it. United boss Erik ten Hag was allowed to spend more than £170million on new players this summer, but seemingly hasn’t finished his squad rebuild.

Champions Manchester City meanwhile, are expected to target new signings in January following potentially crucial injury blows to the likes of Rodri and Nathan Ake.

But rather than compete for Europe’s top talent, the two rivals are set to raid Championship club Swansea City in a bid to sign two rising stars.

According to the Mirror, both clubs are pursuing the highly-rated youth duo of Harlan Perry and Brogan Popham. And representatives of both players are now said to be set for meetings with the Premier League giants with a view to moves.

North London sides Tottenham and Arsenal are also said to be in the running. However, it’s United and City who appear the clear frontrunners having already scheduled talks.

Perry, 16, has already represented Wales at numerous age-grade levels, and last season impressed in the Professional Development League. He is unable to sign professional forms with his club until his 17th birthday in November, with both United and City now eying the chance to pounce before he can pen a new deal.

Like Perry, Popham was handed an academy scholarship ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. The central defender has already turned 17, but has not as yet agreed a professional contract.

Swansea would be entitled to compensation if either star was to move, but now appear at risk of losing their perceived future stars for a meagre amount. However, given the age of the pair, an immediate return back to west Wales on a loan agreement would also be a viable option for all parties.

And the former Premier League side are unable to negotiate from a position of strength, given the financial restrictions currently plaguing the club. American owners Jason Levien and Stephen Kaplan have long been criticised for their lack of investment, with the club losing a host of young players in recent years without them being adequately replaced.

Both Perry and Popham will be aware though that history hasn’t shone favourably on Swansea players who have moved to Manchester. In June 2019, highly rated winger Daniel James completed a £15million switch to Old Trafford, but failed to establish himself under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is now back in the second tier with Leeds.

More high-profile moves have seen the likes of Wilfred Bony and Scott Sinclair move to the Etihad. Both struggled for game time before soon being moved on, with Bony ending up back at Swansea via Stoke, while Sinclair revitalised his career in Scotland with Celtic.