Blues run the rule over Kompany favourite
Manchester City have taken former Burnley goalkeeper Charlie Casper on trial, with the 21-year-old currently training with the club as a free agent. The son of ex-Manchester United defender Chris Casper left Turf Moor last month upon the expiry of his contract, and has since been attracting interest from a number of clubs.
Barnsley have also had him in on trial this summer. But the chance to come to City, sources say, was too good to pass up.
Casper was fast-tracked into the Burnley first team as a teenager by Vincent Kompany during his time as Clarets boss. The City legend rated him highly, which may explain why the Blues have decided to take a look.
First-team football has been hard to come by for the goalkeeper, whose spell in League Two with Grimsby at the start of last season saw him make just three appearances.
After moving to Alfreton in the National League North, he made 15 appearances, kept one clean sheet and conceded 24 goals. He could not prevent his side from being relegated.
Despite a thin senior record, City are prepared to take a chance on him. It is not the only piece of business involving young players at the Etihad this summer. The club have opened contract talks with 17-year-old forward Teddie Lamb, who finished last season as the Under-18s' top scorer with 25 goals. The move is designed to deter interest from rival clubs.
Two very different levels of experience, but both players are being looked at with the future in mind.