Brandon Barker is wanted by La Liga side Valencia, report The Manchester Evening News.
It is understood that the proposed deal will be a loan move this January, but it is undecided whether City would be interested in letting their young prodigy leave British shores as he looks to ignite his development.
Ironically, the interest has been fuelled by former Manchester United defender Phil Neville who- now as Valencia’s assistant manager- was impressed by the youngster’s hat-trick for the City youth side last term.
Neville wants Barker, 19, at his new side in order to have a taste of La Liga football, and was in the crowd at the Academy Stadium last season watching the game in which Barker helped himself to three goals in an FA Youth Cup defeat of Coventry City.
It was not only Neville whom Valencia impressed at this game, however. Leeds United have been interested in the Englishman’s services for quite some time, too; they previously made an attempt to sign him last summer but the deal was never agreed.
However, Barker has seen his first-team chances rise in recent weeks with City’s injury crisis allowing him frequent places on the bench, and despite not making any appearances; this is a huge step for young Barker as he looks to make the grade with The Blues.
The deal is made even less likely by the fact that Barker signed a new five-year deal with City in August, showing that he is taking his time here seriously; but a loan move may still be on the cards.
