Manchester City close to landing ‘Mini Messi’ in the coming weeks

LA PLATA, ARGENTINA - FEBRUARY 17: Dario Sarmiento (L) of Estudiantes fights for the ball with Enzo Coacci (R) of Defensa y Justicia during a match between Estudiantes and Defensa y Justicia as part of Superliga 2019/20 at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium on February 17, 2020 in La Plata, Argentina. (Photo by Gustavo Garello/Jam Media/Getty Images)
LA PLATA, ARGENTINA - FEBRUARY 17: Dario Sarmiento (L) of Estudiantes fights for the ball with Enzo Coacci (R) of Defensa y Justicia during a match between Estudiantes and Defensa y Justicia as part of Superliga 2019/20 at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium on February 17, 2020 in La Plata, Argentina. (Photo by Gustavo Garello/Jam Media/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City have been linked with Lionel Messi but the Cityzens seem to have diverted their attention on signing the next Leo Messi.

Dario Sarmiento plays in the Primiera Liga in Portugal for Estudiantes. The Argentine wonderkid has been touted as the ‘mini Messi’ and the 17-year-old has got some impressive admirers. It is believed that a move to the Premier League this early in the player’s career is being finalised and Manchester City is expected to be the 17-year-old’s new home, as per Talk Sport. Manchester City have been keeping a close watch on the youngster and are tipped to land him next summer, when he turns 18.

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Dario has got a great admirer in former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, who also happens to be the chairman of Estudiantes. Having said that, the chairman is ‘licking’ his fingers at the prospect of selling the wonderkid for some serious funds. The value of the 17-year-old is said to be at £17 million. The talented winger has made his presence known at the  U16 International stage, having represesnted his country six times.

Manchester United hvae got two talented prospects in mind when it comes to the attacking flanks. Jayden Braaf is one of them and he is at the club but it is believed that the Cityzens are considering selling him off to BVB Dortmund while inluding a buy-back clause in the deal. The next prospect in mind is Dario Sarmiento.

This comes in the light of the fact that Manchester City have been constantly linked with Lionel Messi in the recent past but the it is unclear at the moment if the Argentine would leave the club he spent all of his professional football career at. Having said that, Manchester City should get an indication about the 33-year-old’s plans for the future post Janurary 24th when the new Barcelona club president will be announced. Messi is likely to have a comversation with the new president regarding the latter’s plans for the future and if the 33-year-old would fit in.

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Though all this is mere speculation at this stage, nothing can be said for sure. Lionel Messi still hasn’t made up his mind about leaving Barcelona at the end of this season. However, the Sky Blues are right in planning for the future and quality prospects will ensure quality winning projects.