Manchester City are determined to trump Manchester United for Espanyol fullback Aaron Martin.
ESPN says Martin has earned the attention of the two Manchester clubs - with both clubs looking for a new left back in January.
Jose Mourinho is short in the area, with Luke Shaw unfancied while Pep Guardiola is worried over Benjamin Mendy - who is a long term injury problem.
United had appeared to be front runners for the Spain under 21 ace but City seemed to have pulled them back.
Martin has a contract at Espanyol until 2020.