Premier League champions Manchester City are set to fight cross-town rivals Manchester United for Real Madrid youngster Adrian Castellano, according to the Mirror. The 18-year-old left-back has made 10 appearances this season for Real Madrid C (Los Blancos' second reserve squad) and impressed. Madrid coach José Mourinho has already called the youngster to train with the first team several times this season.

The report also claims the English champions are tracking Osasuna goalkeeper Andres Fernandez, as they look to finalise summer transfers early.

Meanwhile, City manager Roberto Mancini has indicated he will support United, when the Old Trafford club entertains Madrid in the Champions League. The two are set to face off in the first knock-out round of the tournament, with the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on 13 February and the return at Old Trafford on 5 March.

"Of course I will be supporting United when they take on Real Madrid. I might even go along to watch with a little red and white flag," the Guardian quoted the Italian as saying.

There is, though, a good reason why Mancini favours his local rivals.

"I don't know if we can make up the gap on United but I do think they will find it a little bit harder in February and March and that is when the title might be decided," the ex-Inter Milan boss explained, adding, "When we played Real Madrid it took a lot out of us and I think United are going to find it difficult as well, because along with Barcelona [Madrid] are the best in the world right now."

City are presently 10 points behind United but have a game in hand. The Etihad club faces Liverpool, at home, on Sunday 3 February and will need a win to respond to their rivals' 1-0 win at Craven Cottage. Last season, Mancini's side were eight points behind the Red Devils in April but went on to win the title in the last minute of the last day of the season. The manager is unsure whether they can repeat the achievement this time but feels the next two months will be crucial.

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