Parker is 16 and has already attracted considerable attention for his performances in Manchester City's Under-18 setup. The England Under-16 international joined the Etihad academy from West Ham United in 2024 and has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young midfielders in his age group.
City describe him as a dynamic, attack-minded midfielder with the ability to contribute goals and creativity from central areas. He featured for the Under-18s at the age of 15 and was directly involved in 10 goals across 13 Under-18 Premier League appearances last season — a return that explains why United, and City, regard him so highly.
Cassim is the second player on Manchester United's list. Also 16, he is another highly rated central midfielder who has represented England at youth level and is regarded within City's academy as a player with an exceptionally bright future. Like Parker, he has yet to make a senior appearance, but his profile within the academy structure marks him out as a genuine long-term prospect.
The source of United's intelligence on both players is understood to have a connection to Jason Wilcox, the club's director of football, who spent over a decade working in various roles at City before departing for Southampton in 2023 and subsequently joining United a year later.
Neither deal is advanced at this stage, reports the Daily Mail. Both players remain part of City's academy setup and no agreement has been reached. United are also targeting established senior midfielders as Michael Carrick looks to reshape the first-team squad, but the pursuit of Parker and Cassim reflects the club's desire to build long-term as well as address immediate needs.