Man City are confident of reaching an agreement for World Cup player Ayyoub Bouaddi
Manchester City are increasingly hopeful of signing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, TalkSPORT understands.
Bouaddi, a former Morocco World Cup star, has been targeted by a number of Premier League giants this summer.
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The youngster had previously held talks with Arsenal and Liverpool, while Chelsea were among those chasing him.
However, it is Man City who believe that they are close to an agreement, while Lille is said to want £85.3 million for their star.
And it is believed that City will not loan Bouaddi back to Ligue 1 to continue his development.
This comes after Lille made it clear that they prefer to delay the 18-year-old player year after year.
Good for Bouadd
The French side are willing to sell him, but they would offer a discount if the clubs were open to a loan or pre-contract.
If City were to allow Bouaddi to stay with his current club for another year, they could get a £68.2m deal instead.
But that doesn’t seem to be the case, with Enzo Maresca and others. looking for a midfielder to join immediately and become part of the team.
Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT revealed on July 1: “This is an interesting transfer story because Lille are willing to sell, but they are very interested in the 2027 deal, the clubs and Manchester City, they have shown that they are willing to at least discuss this.”
“It is €80m [£68.2m] at the moment, but it may come down to those who claim from Lille a refund or a previous agreement,” he added.
“It is €100m [£85.3m] For other clubs who want to make a quick change, that will be something to watch.”
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Bouaddi’s glorious summer
Man City are expected to make a move for Bouaddi following his impressive campaign at the World Cup, which made him attract attention.
He started all but one of Morocco’s matches in the North American tournament.
The way he played against Brazil surprised his fans, as he stood out against the South American giants.
Bouaddi had the most touches (88), won the most duels (11) and completed the most successful passes in the opposition half (30).
His 60 complete passes made him the second youngest player to complete 50 passes in a World Cup match in 60 years.
And he will play well again against Scotland, Netherlands and Canada before struggling against France.
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But Bouaddi remains one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world, and City are hoping to secure a deal along the lines.
Maresca, who will be in his first campaign in charge, is looking to strengthen the field after losing Bernardo Silva.
He has already secured the £116m signing of Elliot Anderson, but Bouaddi could join more talented teams.
City have signed Anderson, Jeremy Monga, Pierce Charles and Mathys Detourbet so far this summer.
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