Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Lille to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for a fee that could rise to €100m (£85.6m).
The Premier League champions have been in advanced negotiations with Lille over the Morocco international, with a deal now close to completion.
Lille have reportedly agreed to an initial fee of £81.4m for Bouaddi, with a further £4.2m in potential add-ons.
Bouaddi is expected to complete his move to England after the two clubs reach an agreement for his transfer.
Manchester City have identified central midfield as an area that requires reinforcement following the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.
Rodri moved to Barcelona for £65m, while Reijnders joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah in a £52m deal.
City are also still interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, although it remains unclear whether they can reach an agreement with the London club.
The club have already made a major midfield addition this summer by signing England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m.
Bouaddi’s arrival would further strengthen City’s midfield options as manager Enzo Maresca looks to build his squad for the new campaign.
City will begin their Premier League campaign at home against Bournemouth on Sunday at 2pm BST, following their Community Shield defeat by Arsenal last weekend.
(Ripples)
