Blues knocked back by teenage target

AJAX forward Kasper Dolberg does not appear keen on a move to City this summer.

The 19-year-old striker has had a breakthrough year in the Eredivisie to attract the attention of both Manchester clubs, with 19 goals and 7 assists in 43 appearances for the Dutch side. But Dolberg is prioritising game time over a place at a Premier League giant.

“My goal [this season] was to play for Ajax’s reserve team, become their best player and maybe get a few matches in the first team” he told FourFourTwo .

“But then Arek Milik went to Napoli and I got the chance. Then in the first game of the season I played and scored against PAOK in a Champions League qualifier.

“From that point I was motivated. The coach gave me confidence to play in the way I’ve always done.

“It’s too big a step to go to City or United now. It’s important to keep on playing, as I don’t know what could happen in the future.

“I haven’t got a dream league. When I was young it was Barcelona [that was my favourite team], but once I got older I didn’t have one. In England, I followed Arsenal because of Thierry Henry, but it wasn’t like Arsenal was my favourite.”

Back in November scout Sebastian Arnesen confirmed City were monitoring the player’s progress.

“We keep a very close eye on him and, when the time is right, we’ll make a decision,” he said.