Manchester City have overtaken rivals Manchester United in the hunt for Bruno Fernandes and are also ready to gazump them in the race for wonder kid Joao Felix.
Both Portuguese superstars Fernandes and Felix had been high on United's summer rebuild, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prepared to overhaul his squad.
But Pep Guardiola has pin-pointed the duo for Etihad arrivals, with City's on and off-the-field muscle placing the club in pole position.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Fernandes is seen as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan - who is likely to leave City this summer.
The 24-year-old is an exciting attacking midfield talent and could be seen as the long term successor to legend David Silva, whose contract runs out at the end of next season.
Sporting Lisbon ace Fernandes' international teammate Bernardo Silva has already lauded him this week.
"Bruno [Fernandes] is a great player," Silva said. "He has made a fantastic season with many goals, many assists that are not normal for a player of his position, he has the spearhead numbers and we will see what happens at the end of the season.
"[He is a] player who can play in other championships."
Benfica teenager Felix is one of the most in demand players in Europe this summer - with a £100million price tag stuck on him.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims Man Utd can still lure world's best after agent contact
United had Felix high on their wish list but could baulk at the massive fee, something City would certainly not do.
Real Madrid , Juventus , Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with Felix.
The 19-year-old midfielder has netted 18 times in 40 appearances this campaign, and has provided another 11 goals in assists.
Portuguese publication Record insist United and City will get into a bidding war for Felix, and Fernandes.
