Manchester City are ‘working’ on arranging a long-term contract extension for Rico Lewis, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Lewis profiled

The right-back is an academy product of the Sky Blues, and having worked his way up through the ranks, he made his first-team debut in the 4-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League in August.

Three months later, Pep Guardiola named the 17-year-old in his starting XI for the Champions League game against Sevilla, which saw him score on his opening appearance in the competition.

The teenager’s current deal isn’t set to expire until 2025, but the club aren’t wasting any time in trying to secure his services beyond that date.

The Latest: Lewis' contract in the works

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that City are already planning behind the scenes to extend Lewis’ stay at the Etihad Stadium, and the 17-year-old's manager has been full of praise for him.

Romano wrote: “Manchester City are working to get Rico Lewis' new long-term deal done - it will be discussed in the next weeks/months."

The Italian also shared these comments from Guardiola: "He’s exceptional. He’s 17 years old, he was perfect against Chelsea… the future will be bright for Rico, I trust him for the future".

The Verdict: Fully deserved

City offering Lewis a fresh deal will be nothing less than he deserves given the impact that he has been able to make in order to force his way into Guardiola’s first-team plans.

Labelled ‘special’ by the manager himself, the youngster has scored six goals and provided three assists across his appearances at youth and senior level, which is hugely impressive for a defender of his age (Transfermarkt).

With Kyle Walker ruled out through injury and Joao Cancelo playing on the opposite flank as a result, Lewis has been gifted a golden opportunity to prove himself as he looks to make his mark on the big stage.