Man City in advanced talks for £85m Bouaddi, 18

Manchester City is reportedly in advanced discussions with Lille regarding the acquisition of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18. The Premier League club aims to finalize the transfer this week, following their recent sale of Rodri to Barcelona. Lille reportedly value the teenager at £85.6 million, and Bouaddi's impressive performances at the World Cup, where he started in five of Morocco's six matches leading to the quarter-finals, have earned him recognition.

His deep-lying playmaking abilities make him a suitable addition to complement summer signing Elliot Anderson, who excels both as a box-to-box midfielder and in the number six role for England. Since making his debut in October 2023, Bouaddi has played 88 times for Lille, contributing to their third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

The teenage sensation, who chose Morocco over France, will join City amid Barcelona's impending £65 million signing of Spain captain Rodri, who secured the 2024 Ballon d'Or after a stellar season with City.