Crackdown on tapping up of young players

THE Premier League can now demand the phone records of clubs — as well as those of parents of youth players — as they step up their war on tapping up.

Sportsmail understands that as many as five transfers of academy players between top-flight clubs are currently being investigated following complaints from those who have lost prospects to rivals. It can be revealed that, thanks to an agreement between clubs, lawyers acting for the Premier League can now ask to see phone records if there are suspicions of foul play. Following the increasingly competitive battle for youth talent, which has seen claim followed by counter-claim, top-flight clubs signed up to a five-step process last summer with the aim of cracking down on any inducements. Any move by a player between clubs with a category 1 academy status is now subject to the five criteria. Signed declarations are needed from the parents of the player and the clubs involved stating that no inducements have been either offered or taken. Manchester City’s move for Liverpool Under 15s goalkeeper Louie Moulden is yet to be approved by the Premier League’s five-step process. The switch, which prompted concerns on Merseyside, is currently thought to be at step four. Manchester United and Everton are both said to have raised concerns over City’s transfer business. Clubs can face fines of up to £25,000 should they be found to have breached regulations. Crucially, the Premier League also has the power to stop a transfer should the five-step criteria not be satisfied.