Manchester City went 'all out' to try and sign Spain and Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal during summer transfer window

Manchester City pushed hard to sign Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal before his breakthrough in La Liga this season, it has been reported.

The 16-year-old winger became the youngest player to start a La Liga match for Barcelona when he lined up against Cadiz earlier this season and his excellent display saw him given a standing ovation from the club's fans as he was substituted off. That surprising impact may have happened in England, if City had their way, as Radio Marca reports that the European and English champions went "all out" to try to lure him to Pep Guardiola's team over the summer.

Lamine Yamal and [Alejandro] Balde have been in a serious situation to leave this summer because there is a club that tried to 'catch them', Masip said. The rising star will likely feature for Xavi's team when they meet Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday.