As the hectic festive period approaches, Man City find themselves trailing league leaders Liverpool by 14 points and in the last two seasons the period has not been kind to the Blues.
Manchester City are set to sign Barcelona wonderkid Juan Larios after Manchester United refused to match their rivals’ bid for the ‘next Jordi Alba.
Manchester City are preparing for their Carabao Cup clash with Oxford on Wednesday after discovering their Champions League last-16 opponents.
City will face Real Madrid in the Champions League, facing the side who have won the competition for four of the last six seasons.
Larios, 16, has emerged from Barcelona’s academy and has been tipped to break into the first team within the next 18 months.
However, his path is blocked by Alba and Larios believes he stands a better chance of first team football in England.
City, Liverpool, Chelsea and United all presented offers to Larios but City’s was the most lucrative and the Daily Record claim he has agreed to move to the Etihad.
Larios had reservations about a move to Anfield due to Liverpool’s supposedly poor treatment of an unnamed youngster who made a similar move in recent years.
The decision came down to a choice between United and City but the Red Devils were unable to match the financial package on offer at the Etihad.
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It’s also claimed the large Spanish contingent at City was a factor in Larios’ decision and Barcelona will receive a compensation package for ‘training’ the youngster to this point in his career.
It means United’s search for a new left-back continues and Luke Shaw’s performance on Sunday against Everton has done little to quench the thirst from supporters to see a new full-back arrive.
Ashley Young has been first choice in the last three years but the 34-year-old is coming towards the end of his career, while Brandon Williams remains a novice.
City will listen to offers for Benjamin Mendy in the summer due to the Frenchman’s inability to stay fit.
