Man Utd raid Man City for two wonderkids, 16, including youngster compared to Paul Pogba

MANCHESTER UNITED are on the brink of raiding rivals City for two of their top teenage starlets. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s youth revolution is in full swing, with United now closing in on City Football Academy duo David Eze and Karim Cassim. Karim Cassim of Manchester City looks on during the FA Youth Cup Quarter Final match b Credit: Getty Midfielder Eze, 16, has been a target since the start of the summer when it became clear he was leaving City’s youth setup. United are set to shell out a compensation fee to their local rivals, meaning Eze rejected a contract extension at City to pave the way for his exit. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! Eze’s midfield style of a rare mix of physicality, height and technique has drawn huge comparisons to former United star Paul Pogba. United’s Ineos leadership are focused on an aggressive academy recruitment drive this summer. On Monday, the club announced the signing of 18-year-old left winger Tynan Thompson from Spurs for £4m plus £4m in potential add-ons related to his senior development. Poaching box-to-box midfielder Eze, who has captained England‘s Under-16s, from City is a massive coup. At just 16, he joins JJ Gabriel and Kai Rooney in Carrington’s next generation of elite talent and will not be able to sign a pro deal until his 17th birthday next March. Meanwhile, United are also growing confident of luring away England Under-17 international Cassim. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK The Eze deal is closer to being completed but Cassim is a versatile midfielder, capable of playing in the No6, No8 or No10 roles. Turning 17 on September 12, Cassim reaches the crucial age threshold to sign his first professional contract. Cassim was an unused sub in City’s 2-1 Youth Cup triumph over United’s Under-18s. You have to go back to 2023 for the last time United raided City’s youth ranks for a midfield duo, landing Darren Fletcher‘s twins Jack and Tyler. Ratcliffe has previously complained about United’s inability to generate significant funds through the sale of academy players. Meanwhile, United’s youngsters suffered late-season heartbreak on three fronts, losing the FA Youth Cup final to City, the PL2 play-off to Brighton, and the U18 League Cup on penalties to Palace. United’s academy is limited to a United Kingdom-based recruitment model due to Brexit rules around transfers. Comment now