Manchester City 'ahead of rivals United in the race to sign Jack Harrison'... despite the winger's stint in the Old Trafford academy

  • Jack Harrison was part of the Manchester United academy until the age of 14
  • But Manchester City are believed to have first refusal on the winger's signature
  • The club's ties with his current side, New York City, put them in pole position
  • The 20-year-old earned a late call-up to the England Under 21s this week

Manchester City have first refusal on New York City starlet Jack Harrison, putting them ahead of rivals United in the race to sign the England Under-21 international.

The MLS star earned a late call-up to Aidy Boothroyd's side this week ahead of their Euro 2019 qualifiers against Scotland and Andorra.

Both City and United are monitoring the winger's progress but reports suggest it is Pep Guardiola's side that are in pole position to secure his signature.

Manchester City are believed to have first refusal on New York City winger Jack Harrison 

Manchester City are believed to have first refusal on New York City winger Jack Harrison 

The New York City forward was part of the Manchester United academy until the age of 14

The New York City forward was part of the Manchester United academy until the age of 14

The Sun claim that despite Harrison being part of the United academy until the age of 14, City's relationship with the New York club will give them first refusal on the 20-year-old.


Harrison grew up a Liverpool fan in Bolton before playing alongside Marcus Rashford in the United academy. After leaving, he headed across the Atlantic and is currently managed by ex-City coach Patrick Vieira.

The 20-year-old is now enjoying life in the international fold. But it was an experience that began in unfortunate fashion, when traffic forced Harrison to miss his flight to the UK.

He now plays under Patrick Vieira and their ties with City put them in pole position to sign him

He now plays under Patrick Vieira and their ties with City put them in pole position to sign him

Harrison got stuck in traffic en route to JFK Airport in New York and missed his flight to England

Harrison got stuck in traffic en route to JFK Airport in New York and missed his flight to England

He eventually made it to St George's Park, having paid £1,200 for another ticket and is relishing the prospect of representing his country.

'I was so disappointed to miss the flight,' he said. 'I wasn't expecting this call-up at all. Before our game on Saturday, Patrick pulled me to one side and said, "I'm not supposed to tell you until after the match, but you've been called up by England Under 21s." I said, "You're lying!" I was so excited.

'When I was stuck in the traffic, I thought the best thing to do was to get over here. I booked the flight and I was going to hire a car to get up here but the FA took care of that for me. It's been unbelievable.'