Manchester City's reported new working relationship with Sporting CP is reportedly nearing its first signing.
Reports from Record and O Jogo in Portugal sat Argentinian midfielder Thiago Almada is being targeted as a new signing for Sporting after City have followed his progress for some time.
The reports (via SportWitness ) say City have followed the youngster, dubbed the 'new Messi', and will assist Sporting in financing a deal. A 'first approach' for the signing has apparently been made.
City would then reportedly have a 'future option' on the 18-year-old should he impress at Sporting, according to the report.
The report adds that Almada's current club Velez are set to finalise a new contract that would raise his release clause to €25m, which is more than the supposed €12m bid City and Sporting are preparing.
Meanwhile, Tuttomercatoweb say a deal with Bayern Munich for Leroy Sane is imminent, and the City man will join the Bundesliga giants in a €90m deal.
The report says the deal was accelerated on Friday, however Sane was pictured returning to the City Football Academy and training with his teammates.
Bayern are also close to sealing the €75m signing of Lille's Nicolas Pepe as they attempt to replace Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben in one go, the report adds.
