Talks between Manchester City and Lille are reaching a crucial stage over the transfer of Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old Morocco international is ready to make the move now though his club have been keen to keep him in France for another season as part of negotiations.
City are ready to use him this season with Rodri a target for Real Madrid while interest is building in Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders.
City have lost Bernardo Silva and also have interest from Tottenham in Omar Marmoush and Savinho.
Bouaddi was valued around £60m before the World Cup but is now considered to be worth around £80m.
Man City are stepping up their pursuit for Lille’s Moroccan wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi
City want to strengthen in midfield with Rodri attracting strong interest from Real Madrid
City also want to add another goalkeeper to replace Leeds-bound James Trafford with Marseille’s Geronimo Rulli one name under consideration.
They also want to strengthen at right-back and on the wing with Chelsea’s Pedro Neto and Paris St Germain’s Ibrahim Mbaye among names discussed.
