Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Tue 1 August 2023 11:17, UK

Man City defender Finley Burns has agreed a deal to join Stevenage, sources have told Football Insider.

League One new boys Stevenage have beaten off interest from a number of EFL rivals to land the 20-year-old.

The 6ft 5ins England Under-20 international spent the second half of the 2021-22 season at Championship side Swansea City where he made just three appearances.

Football Insider reveal (11 January) that Burns was attracting interest from Championship sides in the January window, with Watford, Bristol City and Coventry City all vying for his signature.

Ultimately the defender remained at the Etihad, where his current contract runs until 2027.

The centre-back joined City’s academy from Southend in 2017 and has progressed through the age groups, most recently linking up with the Under-23s.

He has racked up extensive experience in Premier League 2 and the UEFA Youth League – but could now be ready to make the next steps in his development.

Last season he made 26 appearances for the youth side, including 17 outings in their title winning Premier League 2 campaign.

Burns made his senior bow in the League Cup last season, is under contract at Man City until 2027 after signing an extension 12 months ago.

Pep Guardiola has shown a willingness to lean on youth during his time at Man City – with Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, and Romeo Lavia among those to make their debuts under the Spaniard.

Burns has also been capped for England at youth level and had made seven appearances across various age groups, most recently at Under-20.

In other news, Man City in advanced talks to agree defender deal worth £140m in total.