Manchester City are in club-to-club talks to sign Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi, and negotiations are also taking place with his agents.
Bouaddi is hot property after the World Cup, being valued at £85m following a string of impressive performances for Morocco, who were eliminated by France at the quarter-final stage.
Despite being just 18-years-old, the youngster made five appearances for the Atlas Lions, and he was lauded by manager Mohamed Ouahbi after a 1-1 draw against Brazil in their opening game.
Ouahbi said: "He plays with a lot of maturity and class. He’s the type of player that I always love having in my team. He always plays with his head up and carries himself with real authority. He’s a modern player and is super intelligent – it’s a pleasure to be able to work with him."
The starlet has also emerged as an important player for Lille at club level, making 96 senior appearances for the French side, and he has proven himself as a well-rounded midfielder.
Last season, the eight-cap Morocco international averaged 2.3 tackles per 90 in Ligue 1, which was the joint-second highest of any Lille player, while an average of 1.3 successful dribbles per 90 ranked him in third place.
Fabrizio Romano shares update on Ayyoub Bouaddi to Man City
Ayyoub Bouaddi for Morocco
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man City are now in direct, club-to-club talks to sign Bouaddi, with negotiations still ongoing.
City are the "most interested" club in the race for the central midfielder's signature, but the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are also keen.
Will Man City sign Ayyoub Bouaddi?
Bouaddi keen to join
Huge price tag
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Man City hold talks to sign Manu Kone
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Bouaddi isn't the only midfielder in City's sights, with it being revealed they have also held talks to sign AS Roma star Manu Kone, who has been valued at £50m by the Italian club.
However, there could be fierce competition for Kone's signature, with rivals Manchester United also keen, while Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have been contacted.
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