Manchester United set to lose transfer battle to Manchester City

Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on January 22, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on January 22, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester City have emerged as big challengers to Manchester United in the transfer market in recent years. Both the clubs’ interest in the same players has become a recurring theme these days. And it is safe to say that that looks set to continue in the future as well, with the most recent race surrounding a highly-rated Argentine star, which Pep Guardiola’s side appear to be close to winning.

Manchester United’s forward line was a matter of discussion ahead of the January transfer window. The focus was on the futures of Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial. The Uruguayan legend was being linked with the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and clubs from South America while it is no secret that the Frenchman is looking for an exit.

As a result, the name of Julian Alvarez cropped up as a potential target for the Red Devils. Rumours suggested that Manchester United were immensely interested in the Argentine star, who has shined for River Plate recently.

But with Cavani set to stay beyond January, and the Red Devils not having managed to find Martial a new club either, it appears that they might have lost out in the race for Alvarez to Manchester City. Their interest in the 21-year-old forward should not come as a surprise either with Guardiola’s side appearing to be light on options up front.

Manchester United look set to lose Alvarez transfer race

As tweeted out by Fabrizio Romano:

"Manchester City are confident to complete Julián Álvarez signing in the next days. It’s matter of details, taxes and add-ons.River will receive €16m guaranteed plus bonuses [to be discussed] and asked Man City to keep Julián on loan."

Manchester City’s potential move for Alvarez would be a blow for the Red Devils. With his contract running out in the summer, Cavani is expected to leave the club months later. And one would not expect Martial to remain at Old Trafford much longer either if the situation does not change significantly.

Alvarez could have been a solid signing for Manchester United, especially for an initial transfer fee of €16 million. But now, it looks like their crosstown rivals have won the race for his signature.