CORNERFLICK
Manchester City are close to completing a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the two clubs now in the final stages of negotiations.
Personal terms agreed
According to Fabrizio Romano, Santi Aouna and Matteo Moretto, City have reached full agreement with the 18-year-old on the terms of his contract. That leaves only a final accord with Lille before the transfer can be completed.
Fee and loan question remains
Talks between the clubs have moved faster in recent weeks, but there is still a gap over the final transfer fee. Lille would like to keep Bouaddi on loan for another season after selling him, so he can continue his development.
City prefer to bring the Frenchman to the Etihad this summer and have him start under Pep Guardiola straight away. With the player already on board, a conclusion to the talks is expected in the coming days.