Manchester City supporters have been making a lot of noise in the Transfer Tavern this week after seeing their team go 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League courtesy of a 5-1 demolition of Leicester City on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s men went into their clash with the Foxes and title winners of two years ago off the back of drawing 1-1 with Burnley in their preceding league outing, a result which saw their lead cut to 13 points by neighbours Manchester United. Yet the Citizens returned to winning ways in empathic style as four goals from Sergio Aguero as well as a Raheem Sterling strike saw them brush aside Claude Puel’s team at the Etihad Stadium, in turn opening up a 16-point lead at the summit following United’s defeat at Newcastle United on Sunday.
Thus, there have been many thrilled City fans in the Tavern in recent times, and they are likely to be further intrigued by a recent report from Arab News, which suggests that their side have launched a bid for Sporting striking starlet Rafael Leao ahead of the summer window.
The 18-year-old has come up through the ranks at the Portuguese giants to earn regular football for their B team, for whom he has scored six goals in 11 games this term to help them to 14th place in the Ledman Liga Pro table.
And with two appearances for the senior side in the Portuguese capital, the latest of which coming just days ago against Feirense, Leao is clearly heading in the right direction and looks set for a huge future in the game, potential which may well be fulfilled at Man City as reports suggest that they have launched a €25 million bid for the 18-year-old.
And with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, and Raheem Sterling particularly young and playing regularly for Guardiola’s side, Leao may well be able to have a similar impact at the Etihad were he to make the move this summer.
Landlord’s verdict: Gabriel Jesus has been an absolute revelation since making the move to Manchester City back in January 2017, although injuries continue to get in the way of his ascent.
Yet manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly seeking to bring another young striker to the Etihad Stadium, namely Sporting’s Rafael Leao, who made his Primeira Liga debut for the senior side on Sunday in their draw with Feirense.
With plenty of goals for their B team in recent times, the 18-year-old seemingly has a bright future in the game, and Guardiola may well look at the Portugal youth international as someone to follow in Jesus’ footsteps to become a key player for the Citizens in the years to come.
They have reportedly made a €25 million offer for Leao, but whether they can get a deal done for the forward remains to be seen.
Man City fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know!
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