Manchester City monitoring Sporting Lisbon prodigy Rafael Leao

It’s claimed by British media that Manchester City are monitoring Sporting Lisbon striker Rafael Leao.

The 18-year-old has been touted as one of the brightest young prospects in Portugal.

Rafael Leao made two appearances for Sporting Lisbon, scoring one goal.

Leao has represented Portugal at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, winning 36 caps and scoring eight goals.

The Portugal Under-21 international has impressed in Liga NOS this season and is starting to attract the interest of bigger clubs.

Pep Guardiola has always been a manager who keeps his eyes on the most talented young players across the globe.

Manchester City have built a reputation for recruiting young talent from within Europe, predominantly targeting those with sell-on value and immense potential.

Manchester City will be desperate to make an impact in the summer transfer window.

According to the Daily Mail, “Manchester City are showing a keen interest in Sporting Lisbon forward Rafael Leao. Demanding Sporting coach Jorge Jesus has been full of praise for the teenager, though he admits he needs to improve concentration levels when out of possession. He plays off the left wing or as a striker, where he scored five goals in six games in the UEFA Youth League, plus six goals in 11 games for Sporting’s second string in the Segunda Liga.”

Sporting Lisbon are not in a position where they need to sell and would like to keep hold of the young striker, but right offer may force the club to consider a deal.

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Signing the 18-year-old in the summer transfer window would be a masterstroke from Pep Guardiola.

Will Rafael Leao be a Manchester City player soon? Only time will tell.