Manchester United fear losing their top midfield prospects Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison. The Daily Express says Morrison and Pogba, key figures in United's FA Youth Cup-winning team last season, are both out of contract at the end of the season.

And Manchester City are heading a queue of top clubs ready to pounce if one or both refuse to sign new deals and become free agents.

United would be entitled to compensation for development costs because both players are under 24, but it would be a bitter blow to lose such talented youngsters - especially to their closest rivals.