Manchester United make move for rivals City's 600-goal wonderkid Charlie McNeill after England youth star rejects contract offer at the Etihad

Manchester United are confident of landing 600-goal academy striker Charlie McNeill from rivals Manchester City.

The England youth international is set to leave City after rejecting a professional contract at the Etihad Stadium – and United want to swoop in for the highly-regarded youngster.

McNeill does not turn 17 until September, requiring the two clubs to agree a fee or risk the financials being ruled on at tribunal.

They remain locked in talks and it is understood McNeill will cost a seven-figure sum, given his goalscoring exploits in the academy teams and international experience.

City would hope to include a number of additional performance-related clauses but are currently at a stalemate with their cross-town rivals.

McNeill is a United supporter and spent his early years with their junior sides before a switch to City six years ago. The centre forward’s staggering number of goals at youth level have been accumulated while at both clubs.

He has recently found opportunities with City’s Under 18s limited and wants a new challenge elsewhere.