Manchester United have begun talks with Manchester City in an attempt to sign the twin sons of the club's technical director Darren Fletcher.
Jack and Tyler Fletcher have come through the ranks at City despite their father's illustrious playing career at Old Trafford and his prominent role behind the scenes in recent years.
The 16-year-olds have enjoyed plenty of success in the academy at the Etihad, but they now look likely to cross the divide in Manchester, with United opening preliminary talks with City over a double deal, although no bid has been tabled so far. The duo have been monitored by United for a number of years before discussions began over a deal last week.
It is understood Fletcher has played no role for United in talks over a potential deal. The siblings, who are both midfielders, are still on schoolboy terms at City having not signed scholarships, so they are free to meet with prospective new clubs. They don't turn 17 until next March, at which point they will be able to sign professional deals.
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Although no bid has been lodged so far, there is a desire for a fee to be agreed between the rival clubs, rather than going to a tribunal process. The pair are highly rated at City.
Despite the connection with Fletcher's key role behind the scenes at Old Trafford, sources close to the deal insist that it is only driven by the fact United feel the boys have the potential to become first-team players at the club.
There is also an insistence that the move isn't motivated by a desire to stop the children of former United players having youngsters at City, with Jack and Tyler having been at the club for a number of years already.
A source said Fletcher is laid back when it comes to supporting the careers of his children and he has let Tyler play for England and Jack represent Scotland during age-group football, an indication they are given freedom in making their own choices.
A source close to discussions said: “The United academy has monitored Jack and Tyler for a number of years and made a preliminary approach to City last week to open discussions.
“It is still at a really early stage so you never know what will happen. Neither of the boys have signed scholarship terms yet so they are at the stage when they can explore their options.
"As junior internationals, they are amongst the most talented U16s players in the United Kingdom so United are naturally interested in adding them to an already strong age group.
“Obviously Darren would normally be key to this type of recruitment but his only involvement on this occasion has been purely as a father supporting his children.
“Despite their age, both of the boys are really mature and strong-willed so Darren has completely stepped back to enable them to make the best decision for their future careers."
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