Manchester City are reportedly ready to pounce if Adnan Januzaj fails to agree a new contract at Old Trafford this season.
Janujaz is in the final year of his current deal with Manchester United, despite being widely regarded as their brightest young prospect.
The 18-year-old made his Premier League debut in last weekend's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, helping David Moyes win his first home game in charge of the Red Devils.
Despite that promise talks over a new deal at United have dragged on for close to six months, with Januazj thought to be seeking improved terms and some assurances over his first-team future.
That impasse has alerted local rivals City, who are waiting to pounce with a long-term contract at the end of the season if the starlet becomes available, according to the Daily Mail.
City and United lock horns for the first time this weekend, with Manuel Pellegrini and Moyes both taking charge of a Manchester derby for first time on Sunday at the Etihad.