Brazil legend Rivaldo has been handing out transfer advice to highly rated 18-year-old Gabriel Veron, with the Palmeiras youngster urged to favour Manchester City over Manchester United if a move to the North West is to be made.
Two fierce Premier League rivals are said to be readying themselves for another recruitment battle.
Blue versus red has been a common theme in recent windows, with the likes of Fred and Alexis Sanchez favouring Old Trafford over the Etihad Stadium, while various other targets are said to have been lined up on opposing sides of a North West divide.
Veron could be the latest to spark a scramble for his signature, with the teenager’s potential being noted by sides across the world.
Premier League suitors appear to be heading a recruitment queue, with Pep Guardiola and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ready to make more additions to their respective ranks that have one eye on the future.
Rivaldo can appreciate why heavyweight outfits in England are falling over themselves to get to Veron, but he feels City would be a more suitable option for the forward than the instability of United.
The 2002 World Cup winner has told Betfair of a promising fellow countryman: “There are strong rumours that Manchester United and Manchester City are chasing Gabriel Veron's signing from Palmeiras and I think that the Manchester club that wins this particular fight will be properly rewarded.
“Veron has lots of talent and a bright future ahead so it's no coincidence to see two big English clubs chasing him, and he could perform for either club without problems.
“If he has the choice between the two clubs, I suggest City because they are the more stable club nowadays, with a solid tactical system implemented by Pep Guardiola, which is not the case with Manchester United, despite also being a fantastic club.”
United and City are locked in a battle for domestic supremacy this season, with the Blues having edged over their neighbours to the top of the Premier League table, but there is just one point separating them heading into the second-half of the 2020-21 campaign and there remains all to play for.