City ahead of Premier League rivals for American teenager
Manchester City are better placed than Arsenal and Liverpool to land Borussia Dortmund's Mathis Albert, according to reports in Germany.
Bild have backed up claims from earlier this week that City are monitoring the American international. The same outlet has named Arsenal and Liverpool as admirers, though both are believed to have a smaller chance of securing the winger than Enzo Maresca's side.
Dortmund, for their part, are not sweating. The German club are relaxed about the attention heading Albert's way, having already tied him to a professional contract.
The 17-year-old will turn 18 on 21 May next year, and that is when his professional terms with Dortmund begin — despite the fact he has already played senior football for the club.
Albert has made three appearances for Niko Kovac's team. His first-team bow came last season against Freiburg in April. Two more outings have followed this campaign: a German Cup tie against HEBC Hamburg at the start of September and the 0-0 draw with Union Berlin in the Bundesliga last week.
That professional deal matters for any suitor. It means City would have to pay a substantial fee to sign him in future.
Bild also claim a transfer is not completely out of the question, with the youngster needing regular minutes. If those don't arrive with the first team, he may consider his options — and City appear to be at the head of the queue if he becomes available.
For now, Dortmund can afford to be relaxed. The contract is signed, the debut is made, and the queue is forming.