Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Liverpool teenager Isaac Konde, with the 16-year-old completing formal steps ahead of his move to Old Trafford, according to reports.
Konde has made six appearances for Liverpool's Under-18s this season in the Premier League, contributing one assist. He primarily operates off the left flank in the final third, but is equally effective on the opposite wing. A product of Liverpool's academy, he will now head to their north-west rivals.
Academy rivalry
Liverpool's biggest academy success of the last decade has been Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left last summer for Real Madrid. The club now has the likes of Rio Ngumoha and Conor Bradley in its ranks.
United have a long history of giving youth a chance, but as they look to become a force once more, huge sums have been spent on adding ready-made first-team quality. Kobbie Mainoo has become a mainstay, but even he is having to fight for regular minutes.
Youth movement at Old Trafford
In pre-season, Michael Carrick handed minutes to a host of the club's teenage stars, many of whom will hope to push on this season. Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher both got run-outs and were used last term.
United have seen several departures from their youth team in recent weeks, with champions Arsenal confirming the signing of Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon on permanent deals during the summer.
Past dealings with Arsenal
Equally, the Red Devils have been able to profit in the past. Ayden Heaven, once of the Gunners, is now in their first-team picture. The defender had already debuted for Arsenal before he moved to Old Trafford as an 18-year-old, with United paying a compensation fee.
They also landed Chido Obi, then 16, after he turned down the offer of an Arsenal extension to move to Manchester. His progress has since stalled and he headed out on loan late in the summer transfer window.
