I used to coach football with a fella called John. He was a youth coach at City and was responsible for the emergence of Stephen Ireland and the players within his year group. He was in constant contact with the manager over there at the time over player development and first team opportunities.
I can confirm that, even though he had close contact with all members of the first team and development squads, he had absolutely no idea what was happening with transfers as players would tend to keep it between themselves their agents, and well within the boardroom.
I've no idea who your mate is, but I have a feeling that they're less loose lipped round Uniteds Carrington training ground as to go telling everybody what their intentions are.
Of course, I could be wrong......