Breakthrough in contract talks
Manchester City are expecting highly-rated academy prospect Xavier Parker to sign a new contract following formal talks on Tuesday morning, according to reports.
The 16-year-old forward has been the subject of significant interest from rival clubs in English football and beyond, with decision-makers at the City Football Academy working to protect one of their most promising young talents from approaches.
Liverpool's hierarchy had identified Parker as the next emerging talent in the game, but keeping the young forward at the Etihad would be a significant boost for City.
Record offer on the table
Sporting director Hugo Viana and Academy director Thomas Krücken have reportedly torn up existing youth wage structures to offer Parker a record-breaking contract proposal that sets new financial benchmarks for an academy scholar.
The London-born midfielder cannot sign his first professional contract until he turns 17 in May 2027, meaning City's hierarchy may have used the latest round of talks to secure a pre-contractual commitment.
That strategy would lock Parker down against a reported contingent of nine elite European suitors, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich alongside Liverpool.
From City's perspective, losing a player of generational potential to a direct rival could risk unsettling the longer-term competitive balance at the top of the Premier League.