Manchester City are keeping tabs on Lille and Morocco international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as the transfer window prepares to heat up.
Background on Bouaddi
After completing a £116m deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, City have now turned their attention to Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old caught the world's attention this summer with brilliant displays for Morocco at the World Cup.
Due to his experience and impressive performances at such a young age, Bouaddi's club Lille are driving a hard bargain. It is understood the Ligue 1 club would want £85m before agreeing to part ways with the teenager.
Lille's stance on loan
They are also keen, should a transfer be agreed, for Bouaddi to return to Lille next season on loan. This is not thought to be in City's interests, with the Blues keen for him to link up with Enzo Maresca's squad. Lille's president Olivier Letang claimed last week there was a 'very high chance' Bouaddi remains at the French club next season.
Fan reaction
MEN Sport has since polled City fans, asking them whether their club needs to sign Bouaddi. 53 per cent of supporters voted yes, believing that City do not currently have enough options available in midfield. Only 13 per cent of respondents voted no, claiming Anderson was the only midfield signing City needed. Meanwhile, 34 per cent were unsure, stating that while they liked Bouaddi, his £85m price tag is too much for an 18-year-old.
