Liverpool secure deal for rising Manchester City talent, adding to champions' woes

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Arne Slot's team has consistently outperformed Pep Guardiola's Manchester City throughout the season. With Liverpool now sitting eight points ahead of City and a game in hand, many are speculating that the title race may already be decided. Guardiola, who has secured the last four titles in a row, faces an uphill battle to catch up to his rival.

Head-to-head, the Merseysiders had bragging rights last month with a 2-0 victory at Anfield – and now they've dealt another blow to their rivals off the pitch.

Manchester City wonderkid signs for Liverpool – and “can't wait to get started”

In the last few years, there haven't been many players to move between Manchester City and Liverpool. As the two clubs have grown to become the standout rivalry of the last decade in the Premier League, it's simply become a rare pathway, with neither side wishing to strengthen one another.

The last two of real note were James Milner and Raheem Sterling, who swapped places in 2015. Milner left at the end of his City contract for Anfield, while Sterling was always given a frosty reception whenever he returned.

City starlet Lucas Clake, however, has announced via his Instagram that he has crossed the divide to Liverpool, revealing in a post that he is “delighted” and “can't wait to get started” and posing with a shirt outside the Reds' training centre.

With the City Football Group's Manchester-based academy one of the best in the world, it is rare for big talent to slip the net – though it does happen. The likes of Douglas Luiz, Pedro Porro and Liam Delap have all forged solid careers after time spent in the academy, while 23-year-old Felix Correira stated earlier this yea that he regretted signing for City at such a young age.

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Clarke is a defender, born in 2008, who will link up with Liverpool's under-16 programme. He may well be on the slow path to the first team with no promotion in sight for a while yet – but will be encouraged by the club's commitment to youth, especially in defence.

While Trent Alexander-Arnold is the obvious example of Liverpool providing development for defenders to reach higher levels, there have been plenty of examples on Merseyside in recent years.

Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have both emerged for the Reds to play in the Premier League, while Jarell Quansah is still a squad player for Slot.

Liverpool host Fulham this weekend when Premier League action returns.