Manchester United and City tracking four of Barcelona’s Under-17 World Cup wonderkids who have £2.25m release clauses
According to reports, the Manchester clubs and Bayern Munich are scouting heavily at the tournament and would not think twice about paying their release clauses
MANCHESTER UNITED and Manchester City have reportedly been scouting some of Spain's best wonderkids at the Under-17 World Cup.
The Spainards have impressed at the tournament after beating early favourites France in the first knockout game in India.
Their controversial winning penalty came in the last minute, and Spain now face Iran in the quarter finals - but the Iranians have impressed at the tournament so far.
And according to , Barcelona's European rivals Manchester United, City and Bayern Munich have been looking into making moves for some time.
The quartet of striker Abel Ruiz, midfielder Sergio Gomez and full backs Juan Miranda and Mateu Jaume have been watched by the clubs as Spain have impressed at the tournament.
All four players are at Barcelona and reportedly have buy-out clauses of around £2.25million - which the likes of City and United would not hesitate in paying.
The club are looking into signing them to improved deals, wary that other clubs are happy to pillage La Masia for its most promising talent.
The Spanish publication also report that another Barcelona player not in India is Jandro Orellana, who has also impressed at La Masia.
Manchester United had a big recruitment drive and change in personnel at Carrington under Louis van Gaal and subsequently Jose Mourinho as the club have attempted to arrest a dip in quality at youth levels.
Meanwhile City have gone from strength to strength since they unveiled the Etihad Campus, across the road from the Etihad Stadium.
City finished second in the FA Youth Cup to Chelsea last season and have quickly improved in recent years.
City have three members in the England squad, including keeper Curtis Anderson, defender Joel Latibeaudiere and exciting playmaker Phil Foden.
United have the one in Angel Gomes - who is seen as their top youth prospect.
England progressed to the quarter finals after a 0-0 draw with Japan ended on penalties, which the Young Lions won.
They will now face USA in the quarters... with the prospect of facing Germany in the semi-finals.