Local rivals Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly leading the race for Portuguese duo Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes.

The youngsters have emerged as two of the most coveted players in Europe following breakthrough campaigns with Benfica and Sporting Lisbon respectively.

Felix in particular is wanted by some of Europe's biggest clubs, and recent reports suggest that both Manchester outfits have begun talks with representatives of the 19-year-old.

The Mirror claims that City are hopeful of hijacking United's Felix negotiations, and also that they have overtaken their neighbours in the battle to sign Fernandes.

Pep Guardiola is understood to view Fernandes as a possible replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, whose future at the club has been questioned recently.

Fernandes is expected to cost almost £90m, while it will take a bid in excess of £100m to prise Felix away from Benfica.

Felix has been linked with Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain as well as the two Manchester giants, while Benfica are keen to keep hold of the starlet for as long as possible.