Manchester City are reportedly closing in on the signing of teenage goalkeeper Ben Vickery from Hibernian.
The 16-year-old is rated highly at Easter Road and is currently playing for the club's Under-18s side, while he has also represented Scotland at Under-16s level.
Vickery is yet to make his senior debut for Hibs as he is currently behind first-team shot-stoppers Jordan Smith and Josef Bursik in the pecking order.
Nevertheless, Vickery's development and performances at academy level have caught the eye of Premier League giants Man City, who are understood to have sent scouts to watch the youngster on several occasions.
It has previously been reported that both Man City and Hibs have been in talks over the transfer of Vickery, and now journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the Citizens have agreed a deal in principle to sign the goalkeeper.
Romano adds that the deal is 'almost done' and is set to be 'signed and sealed soon' as Man City continue to build for the future.
🚨🔵 Manchester City agree deal in principle with Hibernian for transfer of talented goalkeeper Ben Vickery. 🏴
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 7, 2025
Deal almost done and set to be signed, sealed soon with Manchester City building again for the future. #MCFC pic.twitter.com/swLfycLW9I
Talented goalkeeper Vickery on verge of joining Man City
Vickery is not expected to be immediately integrated into Man City's senior squad and will likely link up with the club's Under-18s side or Elite Development Squad in the summer.
Man City's Under-18 side currently sit second in the Under-18 Premier League table, one point behind leaders Manchester United who have played a game more, while the Citizens' EDS squads boast a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League 2 standings.
While the addition of Vickery is deemed as one for the future by Man City, Pep Guardiola could be in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper in the summer as part of his much-anticipated squad overhaul.
Ederson has been Guardiola's undisputed first-choice shot-stopper over the last eight seasons and has widely been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world during his time at the Etihad Stadium, winning 18 trophies including six Premier League titles.
However, the 31-year-old Brazilian will enter the final year of his contract this summer and his long-term future is believed to be uncertain amid reported interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Should Ederson decide to seek pastures new, Man City - led by new director of football Hugo Viana - must decide whether to promote Stefan Ortega and hand him the No.1 jersey, or splash the cash on a new first-choice goalkeeper ahead of next season.
Oliver Thomas
