Manchester City planning raid of Barcelona’s La Masia

BEIJING, CHINA - JULY 24: Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola (L) gestures during the pre-game training ahead of the 2016 International Champions Cup match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Olympic Sports Centre Stadium on July 24, 2016 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
BEIJING, CHINA - JULY 24: Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola (L) gestures during the pre-game training ahead of the 2016 International Champions Cup match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Olympic Sports Centre Stadium on July 24, 2016 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City are plotting a raid on the esteemed Barcelona academy La Masia, targeting three of the Spanish clubs brightest products.

Manchester City will sanction a triple-swoop on Pep Guardiola‘s former club, according to reports in Spain.

The trio in question are teenage stars Pablo Moreno, Nico Gonzalez and Anssumane ‘Ansu’ Fati.

Manchester City hope the chance to join the project at their EDS academy and far better wages will be enough to tempt the trio away from the fabled pitches of La Masia.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 15: A FC Barcelona badge at the entrance to the La Masia, the former FC Barcelona training facilities located near the Camp Nou on March 15, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 15: A FC Barcelona badge at the entrance to the La Masia, the former FC Barcelona training facilities located near the Camp Nou on March 15, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

All born in 2002, City consider the youngsters as must-buys for the future of the club.

Additionally, the signings would be a signal of intent; with City able to poach three of the brightest jewels from the best academy in the world.

Pablo Moreno is a center-forward heralded as a future starting striker for the Spainish national team. He boasts a prolific goal-scoring record at the youth level, having started his career at Granada.

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Defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez is the son of Manchester City coach Fran Gonzalez.  City hope the family connection is enough to tempt the teenager into a move.

Lastly, Barcelona regard Anssumane ‘Ansu’ Fati as the best player in his age group. The teen has already made appearances at higher youth levels for Barcelona.

Secure these young talents will help bolster the City academy ranks, as well as push the existing players. Let’s hope these signings come through either this month or in the summer ahead.

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