Manchester City have quickly leapfrogged Liverpool in the race to sign exciting Leicester City protege Jeremy Monga, according to a report.
The 2009-born protege became the second-youngest player to ever play in the Premier League when he made his competition debut as a substitute in the Foxes' 3-0 home loss to Newcastle United earlier this month.
Monga's Premier League baptism came at the age of just 15 years and 271 days old; only Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri - 15 years and 181 days in 2022 - was younger when he made his first appearance in the competition.
The teenager also made a cameo appearance in last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, and if he makes a first XI between now and the end of the season, he will become the youngest player to ever start a Premier League match.
However, Ruud van Nistelrooy's men were condemned to relegation in their recent loss to Liverpool, and they are at serious risk of losing Monga, who cannot sign a professional contract until his 17th birthday next July.
Man City 'expected to finalise' Monga deal
© Imago
It was recently reported that Liverpool were showing serious interest in a summer deal for Monga, who could eventually inherit the Mohamed Salah throne when the Egyptian moves on.
However, Football Insider now claims that Man City have overtaken the Reds in the race for the 15-year-old, and the reigning champions 'expect to finalise' a move for the Leicester talent.
The outlet claims that it would take 'something drastic' for Monga's proposed move to the Etihad Stadium to fall through now, as he fits the bill in terms of what Man City are looking for from an embryonic player.
As well as making two first-team appearances this term, Monga has impressed at Under-18 and Under-21 level, registering one goal and four assists in league action for the former this season.
The 15-year-old has also registered two goals and two assists from eight appearances in the Premier League 2, in addition to four goals and three assists from nine appearances for England's Under-16 side.
Out with the old, in with the new at Man City
© Imago
While Monga is highly unlikely to force his way into Man City's first team for at least a couple of years, his prospective arrival would further signal the start of the Citizens' new dawn.
Pep Guardiola has trusted the same core of stars for a number of years now, namely Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Ederson, Kyle Walker and - over two spells - Ilkay Gundogan, but as the times change, the players will too.
De Bruyne is already known to be on the way out, having recently revealed that it was the club's decision not to extend his contract, while Silva, Stones, Ederson, Walker and Gundogan are all expected to follow.
Furthermore, James McAtee has apparently attracted the attention of a Bundesliga giant amid uncertainty surrounding his future at the Etihad, but he could make the move to a shock Premier League team instead.
Ben Knapton
