MANCHESTER CITY tried to sign Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal this summer, according to a club chief.
The two clubs have conducted a number of deals in recent years, with former City captain Ilkay Gundogan joining Barca this summer.
Joao Cancelo also signed for the Spanish giants on loan until the end of the season.
In return City tried to sign 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, according to Barcelona board member Enric Masip.
He told Radio Marca: “Lamine Yamal and Balde were in serious danger of leaving this summer because there is a club that tried to poach them.”
But Barca blocked the move from happening and they are now plotting a contract extension for the youngster.
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Yamal is set to be offered a three-year deal – the maximum that can be given to a player of his age.
The Spaniard impressed in pre-season for Barca and he has been rewarded for his fine form with minutes for the first-team this season.
He has featured in all four LaLiga games so far and even has two assists.
Barcelona boss Xavi is a big fan of Yamal and predicted a bright future for the teenager.
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He said after Barcelona’s win over Villarreal: “He is a very good player. Very unbalancing, very electric, a difficult opponent to cover. He has a great future.”
Yamal has also burst on to the international scene and set a new record for the youngest player to represent Spain when he made his debut against Georgia last week.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
