JEREMIE FRIMPONG could be at the center of a summer showdown between the two Manchester teams.

City and United are interested in the highly regarded Dutchman, who joined Celtic five years ago and now plays for Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, who has been a key player in the club’s pursuit of their first Bundesliga title.

Frimpong, 23, has a one-time £35 million release clause that can only be exercised this summer, despite a contract that runs until 2028.

City consider him as a potential long-term replacement to Kyle Walker, who mentioned the youngster when on England duty last week.

Wing-back Frimpong, who spent two years at Celtic before heading to Germany in 2021, can play on either flank or in midfield, and Bayer has used him both ways.

Frimpong spent more than a decade at City’s academy before joining Celtic, and the fact that he is both home-grown and academy-trained is another financial advantage for Etihad officials.

They are aware of their neighbors’ interest in a player who has 11 goals and as many assists in Leverkusen’s incredible season.

United’s new management believes Frimpong has the ideal profile in terms of age and asking price.

He has scored more goals this season than attacker Marcus Rashford, who has seven goals and two assists.

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And, while Germany’s upcoming champions are anxious to keep him, they will be powerless if either Manchester club triggers the release price.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s new minority owner, wants to strengthen the club’s defense next season.

Erik ten Hag’s squad is now competing with Tottenham and Aston Villa for a top-four finish to clinch a Champions League spot for the following season.

They are currently 11 points behind Villa, following a poor 1-1 draw with Brentford on Saturday.