Sources: Man City close in on Popovic agreement after offering ‘big-money’ five-year deal
Man City are closing in on a full agreement for Serbian wonderkid Matija Popovic, sources have told Football Insider.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the treble-winners have offered the Partizan Belgrade 17-year-old a “big-money” contract as they try to lure him to the Etihad Stadium.
It is believed Popovic has been presented with a five-year deal with pay to be hiked based on hitting performance-based triggers.
City are now in pole position ahead of AC Milan to agree a deal with the teenager.
Popovic has hugely impressed the scouts and recruitment team at the Etihad and City are keen to wrap up an agreement with the youngster soon.
The 2006-born ace has bagged 21 goals and five assists for Partizan’s Under-17 side across 25 total appearances in Serbia’s youth division.
He has also made seven appearances for Serbia’s Under-17 side, scoring once.
The German-born star, who turns 18 next month, stands at almost 6ft 4in and can play on the wing, in attacking midfield and lead the line.
He is set to leave Partizan as a free agent at the end of December – but City will have to pay the Serbian side a development fee due to Popovic’s age.
Pep Guardiola’s side have brought through several impressive youngsters in recent years, including Rico Lewis, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.
Other established stars such as Michael Olise, Romeo Lavia, Jadon Sancho and Eric Garcia have learned their trade at City.
In other news, Arsenal and Man City set to battle for midfielder deal.