EXCLUSIVE: Januzaj contract wrangle puts rivals City on alert for United's teenage ace

David Moyes is in danger of losing top prospect Adnan Januzaj to Manchester City.
The brilliant teenage midfield prospect has been involved in a contract wrangle with Manchester United that has dragged on nearly six months.
City have been alerted to the stand-off and are ready to launch a raid that would infuriate Old Trafford and overshadow even the furore over United’s failings in the summer transfer window.

Prospect: Adnan Januzaj (right) impressed from the substitutes' bench against Crystal Palace

Players who have played for both Manchester United and Manchester City since the Second World War:

Denis Law, Brian Kidd, Wyn Davies, Sammy McIlroy, Peter Barnes, John Gidman, Peter Beardsley, Mark Robins, Andrei Kanchelskis, Peter Schmeichel, Terry Cooke, Andy Cole, Carlos Tevez, Owen Hargreaves

Januzaj underlined his rich promise after going on as a  second-half substitute against Crystal Palace on Saturday and taking the eye in United’s 2-0 win. He also came on towards the end of last month’s Community Shield win.
But his Old Trafford career could prove shortlived, unless Moyes moves swiftly to give him the financial package and first-team assurances he is seeking.
Januzaj, 18, is out of contract at the end of this season and has so far refused a new deal, despite negotiations beginning last April.
Alarm bells started ringing for Belgium’s latest discovery when it was suggested he may wish to consider going out on loan, after interest from Blackburn.

Hopeful: David Moyes (right) is keen to hold on to Manchester United's teenage prospect

He feels he has already reached the stage where he can challenge for a place in United’s first team, as he showed against  Palace, and the idea of a loan has now been shelved. Even so, there is more work to be done by United’s negotiating team after Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down as manager at the end of last season, with Januzaj’s future still up in the air.
Talks are continuing, and  Januzaj is looking not only for personal terms that reflect his potential but a promise of at least some involvement as the season unfolds.

Smells like team spirit: Januzaj (right) celebrates Wayne Rooney's neat free-kick at Old Trafford

He believes he is in a strong bargaining position, with his advisers refusing to be railroaded into a deal that doesn’t suit him, and his list of admirers growing all the time. 
City are right at the top and ready to pounce at a moment’s notice, in a stance that should add extra spice to the season’s first Manchester derby at the Etihad on Sunday.
When asked if he felt  confident Januzaj will sign a new five-year contract, Moyes replied simply: ‘Yes’.