Blues among Premier League clubs tracking 15-year-old midfielder
Manchester City are among a host of Premier League clubs monitoring Blackburn Rovers academy star Ty Livesey, according to recent reports.
The 15-year-old attacking midfielder has turned heads with his performances for Blackburn's youth sides, registering over 100 goal contributions across the club's various academy teams. He made his debut for Blackburn's U18s at the age of 14, marking him out as one of the most promising prospects in English football.
City's director of football Hugo Viana is unlikely to pass up the opportunity, given the club's track record of identifying and developing young talent. But the Blues face stiff competition.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, City, Manchester United and Liverpool are the three leading contenders for Livesey's signature. Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Brighton and Newcastle are also said to be interested.
All three of the leading Premier League clubs will be under new management next season, with Enzo Maresca set to be confirmed as Pep Guardiola's successor at the Etihad, Michael Carrick beginning his first full season in charge of United, and Andoni Iraola appointed as Liverpool's new head coach. The new managers are expected to push for Livesey's signing as an investment for the future.
City and United may hope to use Livesey's Greater Manchester roots to their advantage when making their moves.
Blackburn, meanwhile, are keen to retain their academy star and continue his development within their structure. However, they may struggle to hold onto him given the level of interest from bigger clubs.
The Championship side cannot offer Livesey a professional contract until he turns 17, meaning any suitor would only have to pay compensation for his training — a potential bargain for a player of his calibre.