Liverpool winger contacted by Manchester United

Manchester United are stepping up their focus on long-term recruitment as the club continues to reshape its youth structure ahead of the new cycle.

The Red Devils’ hierarchy have placed increased emphasis on identifying elite academy talent across the country, with a clear strategy of strengthening the scholarship group and future first-team pipeline under the INEOS-led project.

That approach has now led United towards a highly unusual source of targets, arch-rivals Liverpool.

Isaac Konde on Manchester United radar

According to The Secret Scout, via X, United are exploring a move for Liverpool winger Isaac Konde, who has emerged as a standout talent within the Reds’ academy system.

It is understood that discussions have already begun with the player’s representatives, with United hoping to convince the 16-year-old that his development would be better served at Carrington rather than remaining on Merseyside.

Isaac Konde is not the only Liverpool youngster on United’s radar either.

The club are also believed to be tracking his academy teammate Vincent Joseph, with both players viewed as strong additions to United’s upcoming scholarship intake.

Joseph, a 16-year-old striker capable of operating across the front line, has also attracted attention after reportedly being left out of Liverpool’s most recent scholar announcement, fuelling speculation over his future at Anfield.

United’s interest in both players has been independently supported by respected Liverpool academy reporter Lewis Bower on X, who has suggested that as many as two Liverpool prospects could potentially make the switch to Old Trafford this summer.

Both Konde and Joseph have been part of Liverpool’s academy setup since their early development years, having initially joined at under-9 level after signing their first agreements in 2018.

In recent months, the pair have featured regularly for Liverpool’s Under-18 side, continuing their progression through the club’s youth ranks.

However, United’s interest now presents a significant twist in their development paths, with the opportunity of a move across one of English football’s fiercest rivalries adding an unexpected layer to the situation.

If successful, the double signing would represent a notable statement of intent from United’s academy recruitment strategy, particularly given the rarity of direct youth movement between the two clubs.