Sources: Vincent Kompany favourite arrives at Man City for trial
Manchester City have taken former Burnley goalkeeper Charlie Casper on trial, sources have told Football Insider.
Casper, son of former Man United player Chris Casper, is a free agent after leaving Burnley upon the expiration of his contract last month with a number of clubs interested.
Now 21 years old, he was fast-tracked into the Burnley first team as a teenager by former Clarets boss and City legend Vincent Kompany, who rated him very highly.
The goalkeeper has also been on trial at Barnsley this summer, and the League One club remain interested, but accept the chance to go to City on trial was too good for him to turn down.
Man City's coaches will now assess whether Casper is at the required level to become part of their squad, likely as part of the Under-21s group.
Casper has made just three appearances in the EFL, having also spent time on loan at National League North side Alfreton, but City are prepared to take a chance on him.
Barnsley, however, are expected to keep a close eye on the situation and if Man City decide against offering him a permanent contract, they will be prepared to swoop.
Why do Man City want to sign Charlie Casper?
The opportunity to sign Casper as a free agent has placed a number of clubs across English football on high alert given how highly thought of he was at Burnley.
City are well-stocked with first-team goalkeeping options, as Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the number one, with James Trafford and Marcus Bettinelli behind him.
However, there have been high hopes for Casper's development since he was involved with the Burnley first-team at just 17 years old, and he remains highly regarded.
Should Man City offer to make his trial spell permanent, he will likely be involved with the Under-21s or sent out on loan to continue his development in senior football.
First-team football has been hard to come by for the goalkeeper, whose spell in League Two with Grimsby at the start of last season saw him make just three appearances.
After making the swich to Alfreton in the National League North, he made 15 appearances, kept one clean sheet and conceded 24 goals, and couldn't save his side from relegation.
Despite his lack of experience, however, there is a belief he can still develop into a top goalkeeper, with City assessing whether he could do that at the Etihad.
Which academy gems are on Man City's radar?
Man City have placed a growing emphasis on improving their academy sides in recent seasons, and that focus is still in place, with work ongoing behind the scenes.
Casper's potential involvement at Under-21 level would bolster the experience in their ranks, but City remain determiend to keep their best talents as well.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 9 July that Man City have opened contract talks with Teddie Lamb to deter interest from rival clubs.
The 17-year-old is very highly regarded at the Etihad after he finished last season at the club's top scorer at Under-18 level with 25 goals in what proved to be a successful year.