Manchester City are preparing for a summer battle with local rivals United over two of their most promising academy prospects.
The club's youth setup has inevitably made its top teenagers targets for those looking to rebuild their own infrastructure, and United's INEOS-led recruitment operation is now attempting to capitalise.
According to MailSport's Jack Gaughan, the red half of Manchester is pursuing a double swoop for 16-year-old England youth internationals Xavier Parker and Karim Cassim.
Parker, an advanced midfielder recruited from West Ham, played for City's Under-18s at just 15 and has already attracted interest from Liverpool. United are now trying to muscle in, selling the idea that Carrington offers a clearer path to first-team football than what Enzo Maresca's set-up can provide.
Academy director Thomas Krucken and newly promoted Elite Development Squad coach Oliver Reiss are expected to lead the counter-offensive, putting together proposals to convince the pair to stay long-term at the Etihad.
City's youth recruitment network will have contingency plans mapped out, advancing on other high-profile young signatures to ensure the academy remains insulated against any exits.
Whether Hugo Viana and Krucken can secure a last-ditch contract resolution or watch the prodigies depart, this tug-of-war proves the Manchester derby remains fierce at every level.