The 17-year-old central midfielder, who played a key role in Nigeria's Under-17 World Cup triumph in November, is due in England to hold talks over a move to the Etihad Stadium

EXCLUSIVE
By Paul Clennam

Manchester City are closing in on a deal for 17-year-old central midfielder Chidi Nwakali, Goal can reveal.


MAN CITY LATEST
21/10 Man City are 21/10 with Coral to beat Swansea as both teams scoreNwakali, who was a key figure in the Nigeria squad which won the Under-17 World Cup in November, will fly to Manchester from Lagos with his parents to hold talks with City chiefs on January 2.

If a deal is completed, Nwakali will earn £300,000 a year in wages, fees and add-ons from the day he turns 18 on December 26.

Nwakali is also adept at playing in defence and currently represents Shuttle Sports Academy in Lagos.

The move follows a failed attempt to sign 17-year-old striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who has verbally agreed a deal with Porto amid heavy interest from City.

Iheanacho played alongside Nwakali in Nigeria’s Under-17 World Cup triumph and ended as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.



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