Manchester United and Man City set for £40m transfer battle - it was unthinkable a few years ago

Things looked very different for Manchester's two football powerhouses a couple of years ago.

Manchester United were ostensibly on the up under Erik ten Hag, ending their trophy drought in the Dutchman's first year at the helm and securing a third-place finish in the Premier League. Champions League football was set to return to Old Trafford and there was reason for optimism.

Meanwhile, Manchester City were sitting pretty as the kings of England and Europe, with the world crown soon set to follow. A lot has changed since then.

City are in the midst of a squad rebuild having been dethroned as Premier League champions. Pep Guardiola's side are struggling to get back to their imperious best, having scraped qualification for the Champions League and been knocked out of the Club World Cup by Al Hilal.

And then there's United. 15th in the Premier League last season, no European football to look forward and a mishmash of a squad that needs gutting.

The summer transfer window represents a crucial time for two sides looking to send a message to the rest of the Premier League. Outgoings will be as important as incomings, and the two clubs may find themselves in direct competition.

Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish both enjoyed superb 2022/23 seasons, with the former bagging the first 30-goal haul of his career and Grealish playing a vital role in City's historical treble. Their stock has fallen dramatically since then and both could be on the move this summer.

Rashford has told United he wants to leave and City are searching for a buyer for Grealish. While Rashford and Grealish are two very different players, both forwards will command hefty wages and their respective clubs won't be willing to let them leave for pennies - United