Manchester City have resisted attempts from Manchester United for their transfer guru and chief local talent spotter.
The Daily Mail says United have been rebuffed in attempts to snatch City's international scouting and recruitment manager Rob Newman and head of local recruitment Trevor Todd.
United, under the command of executive vice chairman Ed Woodward, brought in sports headhunters Nolan Partners as they looked to revamp operations at the club.
They have since brought in around 50 new scouts, including the man who found Raheem Sterling, to ensure they are first to emerging talent.
Had they been able to bring highly-regarded Todd across town it would have represented a significant coup in the arms race that has broken out for the area's best youth talent.