Champions Manchester City and neighbours Man United are going head-to-head over hot prospect Nathan Wood of Middlesbrough.
The defender, who has just turned 16 and recently finished his GCSEs, has come through Boro’s famed academy and is already involved with Tony Pulis’ first team.
He has been included in the Championship club's pre-season preperations and started their midweek friendly at Rochdale.
Now the Teessiders are facing a battle to keep him — despite the fact he has just signed scholarship forms.
A host of clubs are already aware of the progress of the England youth international, with City and United particularly keen, but Wood appears more than happy to continue with his hometown side.
Wood has extra close ties to the club given his father is a former Boro star — full-back Dean Gordon.
* MIDDLESBROUGH are mulling a bid for QPR’s Luke Freeman. Boss Pulis want to add more creativity to midfield and moves for his top targets have stalled.