City are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with Lille over a deal for midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with another round of talks scheduled between the clubs.
Fabrizio Romano reports that City and Lille are preparing further discussions aimed at completing the transfer, with Bouaddi now waiting for permission to travel for his medical.
It represents another significant step towards a deal which has developed over several weeks.
ESPN reported earlier this week that City were closing in on the 18-year-old Morocco international and wanted to complete the move this week.
L’Équipe subsequently reported that negotiations were expected to accelerate following Rodri’s departure for Barcelona, with Bouaddi potentially becoming a record sale for a player leaving Ligue 1.
Bouaddi deal now approaching decisive stage
The latest update is important because the language surrounding the deal has moved beyond City’s interest or confidence that an agreement can be reached.
Romano now describes negotiations as being at the “final stages”, with Bouaddi waiting for the green light to travel for his medical.
There should still be some caution until the remaining details are settled and the transfer is formally completed, but the direction of travel is increasingly clear.
Bouaddi would add another young midfielder to Enzo Maresca’s squad following the arrival of Elliot Anderson, with City undertaking a substantial reshaping of the position this summer.
At just 18, the Lille midfielder would arrive as one of Europe’s most highly regarded young players, but with considerable senior experience already behind him.
For more info on this and other City transfer deals and rumours, please take a look at our live transfer tracker.
