Despite being strongly linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, Rico Lewis made a surprising start for Manchester City in their 4-0 thrashing of Wolves.
James McAtee has already completed a move to City Ground and it seemed like Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were willing to sign his now-former teammate as well.
So much so that Nottingham Forest are willing to double Lewis’ wages.
Furthermore, Manchester City were open to selling Lewis if Forest paid over £30 million for his signature and allowed them to include buy-back and sell-on clauses in a potential deal.
Rico Lewis shuts down Nottingham Forest links and names Man City his ‘dream club’
Against Wolves, it did not seem like Rico Lewis’ head was turned as he produced a top-notch display at right-back, assisting Erling Haaland’s opening goal in the process.
Pep Guardiola’s decision to start the 20-year-old instead of Nunes was a sign of how much he continues to trust the youngster.
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In the aftermath of the contest, Lewis admitted Manchester City is his “dream club” and he has never considered leaving despite being linked to Nottingham Forest, telling Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall: For me, I’ve never, ever seen myself at a different club,” Lewis said. “I’ve always wanted to play for City. It’s my dream club, and like you see today, when I’m playing with the kind of players that I’m playing with, it brings out the best in me, so I’m so happy.”
Rico Lewis playing for Manchester City v Wydad AC.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
“Last season, I played more than the season before, this season I want to play more than last season, so it’s always the same goal, becoming an established player.”
Rico Lewis has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs
Lewis is one of the best young players in England and considering he can play in midfield and at right-back. Manchester City would have dreaded the prospect of losing their academy graduate to Nottingham Forest due to how key a squad player is.
Apart from Forest, other clubs have also expressed an interest in signing the Bury-born technician.
Manchester City News revealed that the sides include Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa while Chelsea have already asked about signing the wonderkid.
However, Lewis was expected to sign a contract extension after holding talks with Hugo Viana and based on his latest admission, he could put pen to paper soon.