Manchester United are reportedly set to be snubbed in the race to sign Thiago Almada, the Argentine midfielder dubbed 'the new Lionel Messi'.
United have been linked with a summer move to the 19-year-old, who plays for Velez Sarsfeld in his homeland.
But they face competition from Premier League rivals and near neighbours Manchester City, who tried to sign Almada last year but couldn't agree a price.
The attacking midfielder, who can play on either wing as well as through the centre and has been likened to Messi in Argentina, is likely to cost around £15million.
And City look set to win the race for his services as he wants to follow in the footsteps of his hero Carlos Tevez, according to The Sun.
Of course, Tevez played for both Manchester clubs, joining United from West Ham in 2007 before signing for City two years later.
The Argentine striker won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with United - while at City he added the FA Cup and another league title to his collection.
But it was the striker's time at the Etihad Stadium that really inspired a young Almada, the Sun reports.
When Tevez joined United's rivals in 2009, billboards bearing his image appeared around the city with the slogan 'Welcome to Manchester'.
And the signing of Almada could prove a similar coup for City boss Pep Guardiola, who reportedly sees the teenager is a long-term replacement for the departing David Silva.
Meanwhile, United have stepped up their interest in Borussia Monchengladbach striker Alassane Plea.
Sky Germany have reported that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have begun talks with Plea's representatives to gauge his interest in a potential summer move.
The 27-year-old France international has scored 10 goals and recorded eight assists for Monchengladbach this season.