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Manchester United have reportedly strengthened their academy setup by signing David Eze from Manchester City and Manuel Appiah Boakye from Leicester City.

United have made a concerted effort in recent years to recruit highly rated teenage prospects, having brought in both Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, while also adding players such as Sekou Kone and Diego Leon.

Although much of the attention over the summer was on United’s midfield overhaul, the club also spent £8million on England Under-18 left winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Hotspur.

United and City very rarely do business with each other at senior level, but 16-year-old defensive midfielder Eze has now made the switch across Manchester to join the Red Devils’ academy.

Stretford Paddock reported that the Premier League has now completed the ratification process for Eze’s move from Manchester City to Manchester United.

The report added that the 16-year-old midfielder has been officially registered after an investigation period lasting several weeks.

It also stated that Manchester United have completed the signing of Under-15 player Manuel Appiah Boakye from Leicester City, with more additions expected to be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Eze, who is not related to Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze, has already won nine caps for England Under-16s.

The move is seen as a major academy coup for United, with Eze previously described as one of the standout talents in City’s youth system.

Less is known about Boakye, although he is also believed to be a midfielder.

As for senior-team business at Old Trafford, Fabrizio Romano revealed on Friday that United considered a move for Argentina left-back Nico Tagliafico in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

"There was a kind of secret name discussed internally at Manchester United," the journalist said in his latest video.

"You probably remember, if you follow the channel, when I told you there was going to be, among the options, a kind of Reguilon-type player.

"You remember when Man Utd signed Reguilon from Tottenham, and he did quite well at the club.

"So, a kind of experienced option. Not Balde, so not a top, top name, but an experienced name. A player with good quality who can help for the rest of the season.

"That name was Nico Tagliafico. Tagliafico was under consideration at Manchester United.

"Juventus and Atletico Madrid also tried to sign him, but it was not possible on deadline day; it was too late.

"But Tagliafico was also under consideration at Manchester United. Then they decided not to proceed, so it was United’s choice not to move forward any further."