Manchester City to land 'new Lionel Messi' in £20m deal?

Manchester City are reportedly considering a summer swoop for Velez Sarsfield attacker Thiago Almada.

The 17-year-old, who has scored three times and registered two assists in 16 appearances for Velez this season, has been dubbed the 'new Lionel Messi' in Argentina.

According to The Sun, City have made the attacker a 'top target' for this summer's transfer window and the Citizens are prepared to pay £20m for his services in order to help secure a work permit.

The same report also claims that should City be hit with a FIFA transfer ban then they would ensure that Spanish partner club Girona complete a deal for the teenager ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

Almada, who largely operates in the number 10 position, has scored once in seven appearances for Argentina's Under-20 side.