Lamine Yamal ‘lined up for shock summer transfer to Premier League but Barcelona blocked move for record-breaking teen’

MANCHESTER CITY tried to sign Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal this summer, according to a club chief.

The two clubs have conducted a number of deals in recent years, with former City captain Ilkay Gundogan joining Barca this summer.

GettyManchester City tried to sign Lamine Yamal[/caption]

Joao Cancelo also signed for the Spanish giants on loan until the end of the season.

In return City tried to sign 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, according to Barcelona board member Enric Masip.

He told Radio Marca: “Lamine Yamal and Balde were in serious danger of leaving this summer because there is a club that tried to poach them.”

But Barca blocked the move from happening and they are now plotting a contract extension for the youngster.

Yamal is set to be offered a three-year deal – the maximum that can be given to a player of his age.

The Spaniard impressed in pre-season for Barca and he has been rewarded for his fine form with minutes for the first-team this season.

He has featured in all four LaLiga games so far and even has two assists.

Barcelona boss Xavi is a big fan of Yamal and predicted a bright future for the teenager.

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He said after Barcelona’s win over Villarreal: “He is a very good player. Very unbalancing, very electric, a difficult opponent to cover. He has a great future.”

Yamal has also burst on to the international scene and set a new record for the youngest player to represent Spain when he made his debut against Georgia last week.