MANCHESTER CITY have won the race to sign Brazilian starlet Yan Couto, according to reports.
The Coritiba star, 17, attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal during the January transfer window.
Arsenal were reportedly in talks over a move for the 17-year-old, right, but have lost out to CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Brazilian news outlet Gazeta do Povo report that City have reached a £5million agreement for the defender.
But Couto will not make the move to the Premier League until he turns 18 in the summer.
Coritiba will not be entitled to a percentage of his future transfer fees, but could pocket an extra £5million in performance bonuses.
The 17-year-old – nicknamed The Flash because of his lightning speed – was heavily linked to Arsenal last month.
Reports claimed that the Gunners had opened talks over a move for the in-demand defender this summer.
Barcelona and German giants Bayer Leverkusen had also indicated their interest in the youngster.
Couto was part of the Brazil squad that won the Under-17 World Cup in 2019, their first victory since 2003.
He created more chances in the tournament than any other player and he set up the winning goal three minutes into added time to help them beat Mexico 2-1.
The speedy defender has progressed through the ranks at Coritiba since he joined his hometown club at the age of nine.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola says Raheem Sterling is free to talk to whoever after the player is photographed with Madrid shirt
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
