Manchester City could face interest from La Liga champions Barcelona should an agreement in place for USA starlet Cavan Sullivan collapse as a result of possible Premier League sanctions, according to reports in Spain.
Are Man City fans concerned by the Premier League guilty verdict?
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It is the latest subplot to emerge after Manchester City were found guilty of all charges related to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018, as well as creating "sham contracts" to inflate sponsorship deals by £830 million.
From the side of City, amid the submission of a 'comprehensive' appeal, the club standby the stance of being "innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League" whilst retaining "irrefutable evidence" and that the ruling "contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe".
As part of their appeal, Manchester City are expected to argue that payments were made by the United Arab Emirates government as a shareholder of the sponsors involved, as well as the fact that there are inconsistencies in the Commission's judgement. Therefore, City say sponsorship amounts were legitimate and not topped up by the club's owners.
For the time being, the future of City in relation to their Premier League status beyond this season remains in doubt, with some suggesting that possible punishments for wrongdoing could include substantial points deductions that could force relegation.
In those circumstances, it also remains to be seen how that would impact City's ability to attract the very best talents in the game, as well as those who have already committed to contracts bringing them to the Etihad Stadium - such as USA wonderkid Cavan Sullivan.
Barcelona emerge as potential Cavan Sullivan suitor
Now, according to a new report from Spanish newspaper Sport, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Barcelona have Cavan Sullivan on their agenda as the Catalan club monitor the situation surrounding Manchester City and its possible knock-on effect on the 17-year-old.
The Camp Nou's sporting director Deco is said to want to grab an opportunity if one presents itself, and Sullivan is a player that could yet become available if City were to face sanctions via the ongoing situation involving the Premier League.
Barcelona will be on ‘high alert’, according to the report, hoping for Philadelphia Union to open the door to sign the rising star ahead of his anticipated move to Manchester City upon turning 18-years-old.
What is the current plan for Cavan Sullivan?
A recent report from The Athletic has clarified the latest concerning Cavan Sullivan's future amid Manchester City's guilty verdict insisting that, despite the uncertainty at the Etihad Stadium, nothing has changed for the teenager, who is set to join in January 2028.
Sullivan is said to be focused on his ongoing time with the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer and the United States' men's national team, whilst his contract remains intact to join Manchester City in 14 months' time.