Jeremy Monga is nearing a new Leicester City deal that will keep him at the club next season and ward off a move to Manchester City.
The 15-year-old starlet has been the subject of interest from all over Europe and it had seemed Man City would snap him up before he could begin to fulfil his potential at the King Power Stadium.
But a deal is now nearing for the winger, meaning he will be at City at least next season in the Championship.
It won’t be a professional deal, as he cannot sign one until he turns 17, which isn’t until July next year.
However, he can sign a scholarship that leads into a pro deal, while any sort of scholarship extension would mean he’s a City player for what they hope will be a promotion push.
Asked about full-back Bade Aluko after he made his senior debut for City in the season-ending 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth, van Nistelrooy said: “He’s signed a new deal for the club, with Jeremy and with Jake (Evans).
“It’s important to have these players for the future for a longer time. I think he will be very good for the club.”
When asked to clarify that Monga had indeed signed a new contract, he said: “It’s getting closer.”
Keeping such a talent at the club is big news for City and further strengthens their wide options for next season, which look to be strong. As well as Monga and Evans, there’s Stephy Mavididi, Kasey McAteer, and soon-to-be-fit-again Abdul Fatawu to choose from.
An extended scholarship would give further hope that
If they were to lose Monga before he signs a professional deal, City would either receive compensation or his transfer fee would be decided by a tribunal.
If they can reach a point where Monga does sign a professional contract, City are in a much stronger position to keep the winger for longer, or sell him at a much higher price.
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Get your special Jamie Vardy edition of the Leicester Mercury
Jamie Vardy souvenir edition of the Leicester Mercury
It was certainly a fairytale ending to Jamie Vardy's Leicester City career - netting his 200th goal in his final match for the club.
To celebrate, we are launching a this special edition of the Leicester Mercury where we look back at the striker's amazing career - his journey from non-league to England international, his greatest goals and where he stands in the Foxes' list of all-time greats.
We also revisit the trophy-winning campaigns - the 2021 FA Cup and, of course, the 2016 Premier League title.
And there are plenty of tributes from those who played with him, against him and worked with him.
Jamie Vardy, it's certainly been a party!
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