Manchester United are looking to raid rivals Manchester City for a group of scouts to bolster their own network, according to a report.
The Red Devils' hierarchy are reportedly unhappy with the way that rivals City have overtaken them when it comes to developing youth players.
United vice chairman Ed Woodward is said to have launched an investigation to get to the bottom of the matter, and will now look to nab four of the Citizens' UK-based talent spotters
It is claimed by The Mirror that Woodward will offer the quartet a pay rise of up to 50% on what they are currently earning at the Etihad Stadium, with one scout already making it clear that he is happy to cross the divide.
City will fight hard to keep the others in place, however, with the same report suggesting that there are no major concerns thanks to the academy structure already in place.
United's Under-14s side suffered a 9-0 defeat to City last season, forcing the Red Devils to reportedly consider pulling out of youth-team fixtures against their near neighbours.
Daniel Lewis
