City close in on wonder kid
DEAL ON THE CARDS FOR ‘NEW TONI KROOS’ AS CITY CLOSE IN ON WONDERKID
CITY have not agreed a deal for Hajduk Split midfielder Ante Palaversa – but they are very interested.
Reports suggested a £7m deal has been agreed between the Blues and the Croatian club for a player who captains his country’s U19 team. But it is understood that while City have been showing a strong interest in the defensive midfielder – and have spoken to Split – a deal has not been struck.
Sources in Croatia claim that the deal is done and that City have agreed he can remain at Split until the end of the season.
But Manchester sources deny that – but it is clear that a deal is on the cards.
If the transfer is completed, it is not yet certain whether Palaversa will link up with the Blues in the summer – the uncertainty over Brexit complicates that matter.
He may stay at Split for another season, be loaned out or work within the elite development squad at City.
Palaversa is seen as one of the outstanding Croatian prospects and has impressed since he moved up to first team level at the start of this season.
City have been scouring Europe for backup, and long-term replacement, for 33-year-old Fernandinho. Palaversa may be too young to be that player, but Croatian observers claim he is mature beyond his years, a good reader of the game and meticulous passer. Croatia international Josip Juranovic, a team-mate of Palaversa, said recently that the teenager, who has been likened to Germany ace Toni Kroos, ‘will be a top player’.