Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has hit Manchester United with some bad news as rivals Manchester City are closing in on the signing of talented Red Devils youngster Harrison Parker.
He is a 16-year-old centre-back who represents England U16s at international level. Parker spent time in the Arsenal academy but moved to Man Utd in September 2021.
The starlet’s time at Old Trafford could be short-lived though as he is preparing to swap the city divide by heading to Pep Guardiola’s City.
Writing on Twitter, Romano has revealed City are ‘close to reaching an agreement’ with Man Utd over Parker’s signing. The potential transfer fee is not disclosed, but it is likely to be a hefty amount for a 16-year-old as Parker is a ‘top talent’.
Man Utd tried to keep Parker with them by offering him the ‘highest youth deal’ possible, but this hasn’t worked as City are closing in on his signature.
Romano adds that City will beat ‘four top clubs’ to Parker, although he does not reveal which teams they are.
Parker will soon become the latest exciting teenager to move to the Etihad. On June 28, Reading confirmed that 16-year-old striker Luca Fletcher – one of Parker’s England U16 team-mates – would head to City. His transfer is reported to have been worth £600,000.
City have also won the race to sign highly rated teenage goalkeeper Spike Brits from AFC Wimbledon.
Man City creating squad of hugely talented youngsters
Those three youngsters will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer by picking up game time in the first team after graduating from the City academy.
But even if they fail to force their way into City’s senior squad, they could still achieve some impressive transfers. Romeo Lavia did well last season after swapping City for Southampton, and Shea Charles could soon replace him at St Mary’s by completing a similar move.
