Man Utd and City in fierce transfer battle for the ‘next Thiago Alcantara’ Ilkay Elmkies

MANCHESTER CITY and United are battling for Hoffenheim youngster Ilay Elmkies. The 19-year-old has been compared to Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who starred for Pep Guardiola in Germany. And Pep’s coaches at the Etihad want the teenager at the Etihad Stadium to continue his development after for years for his Bundesliga team. He impressed […]

MANCHESTER CITY and United are battling for Hoffenheim youngster Ilay Elmkies.

The 19-year-old has been compared to Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who starred for Pep Guardiola in Germany.

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Man City and Man Utd are battling it out for Hoffenheim and Israel wonderkid Ilay Elmkies (left)[/caption]

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And Pep’s coaches at the Etihad want the teenager at the Etihad Stadium to continue his development after for years for his Bundesliga team.

He impressed against City in the UEFA Youth League last season but neighbours United also want the Israel Under-19 international.

West Ham are the other club who have shown interest in a player with just one year left on his current deal and could cost just £2.5million.

Hoffenheim risk losing him for training compensation in a year without a deal being agreed – and clubs are ready to swoop.

Meanwhile, United are still undecided whether to sign a new centre-back this summer.

The Red Devils have reportedly ended their pursuit of Harry Maguire after City entered the race for the Leicester ace.

However, the Old Trafford side are on the verge of sealing a £50m deal for Crystal Palace star Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

And in a transfer boost for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Real Madrid have decided not to chase Spain keeper David de Gea as Keylor Navas is set to stay at the Bernabeu.

United are confident that their shot-stopper will commit his future to the club and sign a new, bumper five-year deal.