Man City plan new transfer formula to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to Ayyoub Bouaddi deal
Bouaddi has emerged as one of the unlikely stars of the World Cup so far as he shines in Morocco's midfield.
The 18-year-old could be in line to win the Young Player of the Tournament award as Morocco prepare to face France in the quarter-finals this week.
He earned a spot in the Atlas Lions' side after excelling with Lille all season long, and numerous top clubs are keen on his services this summer.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Man City could win the race for his signature by agreeing to send him back to the Ligue 1 side on loan.
They have already moved to snap Elliot Anderson up for a British record fee, while several other midfielders remain on their radar.
Bouaddi may well struggle for consistent minutes if he joins the Citizens, so a move back to Lille could be in the best interests of all parties involved.
Man City could agree to Ayyoub Bouaddi loan to seal permanent switch
Sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool are also keen on signing Bouaddi this summer, while reports have linked Arsenal to his services too.
The 18-year-old box-to-box star played 42 times across all competitions for Lille last season and could continue his progress in Ligue 1 despite potentially joining City.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "There have been suggestions that if Lille were to sell him this summer, they would be keen for him to be loaned back for another year so he could continue his development with regular first team football.
"So if City were willing to do that and open to that, and from what I understand they are, maybe that would give them an advantage, while his other suitors might want him to come straight into the team.
"The more he continues excelling at the World Cup, his price tag is just going to keep going up, and that can only be good news for Lille."
What is the latest on Mateo Kovacic's future?
New City boss Enzo Maresca is keen to shake up his midfield options as a possible decision lingers over Bouaddi's future.
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Kovacic will be allowed to leave City this summer to make way for new additions in the middle of the park.
He has just one year left on his contract as it stands, and has been told that he is surplus to requirements at the Etihad
Kovacic has played 97 times for City, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Club World Cup, among several other trophies.