In addition to their growing on-pitch rivalry, Manchester United and Manchester City are apparently ready to engage in a transfer battle as well.

At the centre of their attention stands the Monaco full-back Fabinho, according to different reports coming from English media.

Manchester United were heavily linked with the Brazilians in the summer transfer market with Matteo Darmian failing to convince the new boss Jose Mourinho, who is experiencing a lot of problems in defence lately.

The Red Devils’ defensive worries have been highlighted by their latest 4-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Jose Mourinho is believed to be actively seeking a January solution to his woes.

In the meantime, Manchester City are also feeling short in the right-back department with both Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna in the finals year of their deals and in multiple fitness problems which have ruled them out for the last couple of games to the Citizens.

Guardiola is believed to be keen to hijack a move for the 23-year-old Brazilian as the Spaniard feels that Fabinho is the ideal fit to the system he is trying to implement at the Etihad Stadium this season.

Former Real Madrid man is enjoying a successful season at Monaco, his fourth at the Principality club since his arrival from Santiago Bernabeu.

The 23-year-old defender has so far made nine Ligue 1 appearances this season, scoring no less than four goals in the process. To put numbers into perspective it is enough to mention that the Brazilian scored 6 goals in 34 domestic appearances last term.

Before they go head to head for the signature of the highly-rated star, Manchester United and Manchester City are locking horns in the EFL Cup on Wednesday as both teams look for respite and recuperation for their most recent slumps.

Manchester United have been given a slight edge ahead of the Wednesday’s clash as the Red Devils are standing at the betting odds of 2.60 (8/5) @Bet365 to emerge victorious from the encounter at Old Trafford.