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Manchester City were slapped with a ban on signing academy players on Friday after tapping up two schoolboys.

The two-year embargo handed down by the Premier League was the same as Liverpool faced last month, with the second year suspended for three seasons.

But City’s £300,000 fine was three times that of their North West rivals in a case thought to centre on an 11-year-old from Everton and 15-year-old at Wolves.

Sportsmail understands City admitted wrongdoing once evidence was produced to them and will not be appealing the decision, which does not stop them landing targets from abroad.

A third academy transfer was being scrutinized by the Premier League but Louie Moulden – son of former City striker Paul – is free to complete his switch from Liverpool.

City were found to have contacted parents of the players too early in the recruitment process. Liverpool‘s violation came by way of offering prohibited inducements to one player and his family.

The younger boy, now 12, will leave City immediately.

The 15-year-old is expected to complete his GCSEs at the club’s partnered school, St Bede’s, until the summer of 2018.

Culled from Mail Sport