Manchester City set to win race for latest ‘next Messi’

According to The Sun Premier League champions Manchester City are to win the battle for the signature of highly rated teenager Thiago Almada.

The 18-year-old, who plays in his native Argentina with Velez Sarsfield, has been dubbed the new Lionel Messi following some sparkling displays in the Primera Division this season.

Having recently rejected a new deal with his current club, City are the team at the front of a queue for the youngster’s signature that reportedly includes both Liverpool and Barcelona.

The Manchester outfit are believed to have agreed a fee in the region of £16m to sign the versatile South American, who has played across midfield as well as up front this season.

In 16 league appearances, of which only seven have been starts, Almada has had a hand in five goals, scoring three and assisting two, whilst completing 3.1 dribbles per 90 minutes at an impressive 67.6 per cent success rate.