Manchester City set sights on signing Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi for £85m

Manchester City are intent on signing Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for €100m (£85m).

Bouaddi is attracting a host of suitors following his performances for Morocco at the World Cup, and while the proposed fee is high for a teenager, City view him as a long-term investment.

Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, is an admirer of Bouaddi’s technical ability and positional sense and there is scant concern regarding the ability of a 6ft 1in player to negotiate the physical challenges of Premier League football. Enzo Maresca’s plan is to integrate Bouaddi into his first-team squad for next season.

Bouaddi started five of Morocco’s six games at the World Cup, including the 2-0 quarter-final defeat by France. It was only his eighth international appearance, with his professional debut coming for Lille against Ki in a Europa Conference group game in October 2023 . At 16 years and three days, that made him the youngest footballer to play in competition.

Signing Bouaddi would take City’s summer spend to £200m on two players following the £116m signing of Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have confirmed the signing of 35-year-old goalkeeper Karl Darlow, subject to registration.

Darlow has agreed a two-year deal after leaving Leeds last month and will provide competition to Senne Lammens. “I am extremely proud to sign for Manchester United - this is a really special opportunity,” he said. “Everyone can see what an exciting time it is for the club and I cannot wait to play my part in supporting my team mates - and helping to drive the group forwards.”

Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, said: “Karl has proven his ability to perform at the highest level, his work ethic and determined personality make him a really strong addition to our squad. We are delighted to add a player of his quality.”

Darlow has made 279 career appearances, 74 in the Premier League.