Along with Micah Richards, Manchester City are also anxious to tie teenage striker Danny Sturridge to a pro contract.
The 16-year-old has been watched by Chelsea and Arsenal all season as free-scoring City blazed a trail to the FA Youth Cup final against Liverpool next month but plans are in place to make sure the schoolboy, who has turned out for the reserves this season and trained with the first team, stays and develops.
"Everything that a youngster could want in terms of career progression is here," says Academy chief Jim Cassell, whose staff's record of grooming first team stars is among the best in the country.
"We have a team in place that will promote youth team players into the Premiership when they are ready, we have a fan base and facilities second to none and what's more we have a chairman, chief executive and board that is determined to find and develop young talent."
The 16-year-old has been watched by Chelsea and Arsenal all season as free-scoring City blazed a trail to the FA Youth Cup final against Liverpool next month but plans are in place to make sure the schoolboy, who has turned out for the reserves this season and trained with the first team, stays and develops.
"Everything that a youngster could want in terms of career progression is here," says Academy chief Jim Cassell, whose staff's record of grooming first team stars is among the best in the country.
"We have a team in place that will promote youth team players into the Premiership when they are ready, we have a fan base and facilities second to none and what's more we have a chairman, chief executive and board that is determined to find and develop young talent."
