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Earlier this week, various claims indicated that Manchester City are closing in on a deal for Troyes’ Savinho, who is currently on loan to Girona.

The three clubs are owned by the City Football Group and this makes it relatively easy for the Citizens to find an agreement.

Wednesday’s Sport provides a background on why Manchester City changed their plans for the 19-year-old.

The winger has starred for the La Liga side, managing seven goals and seven assists from 27 games this season. His fine displays resulted in firm offers in the winter market.

Barcelona have also shown interest in the teenager and their sporting director, Deco, has contacted his entourage.

Faced with the possibility of losing Brazil U20 international to the Blaugrana, Manchester City had to change their pre-established plan, which was for him to continue at Girona for one more season.

Two months ago, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City sporting director Txiki Begiristain had decided that the attacker will be part of the treble winners’ squad next season.

Sport claim this was communicated to his entourage during a summit in Abu Dhabi, days before the FIFA Club World Cup. Manchester City agreed a five-year deal with the player after the winter market closed.

The Citizens aren’t willing to let one of the CFG jewels slip and have accelerated their efforts.

Savinho is ‘absolutely happy’ to go to the Etihad as he believes playing under Guardiola will improve his chances of representing the Brazilian national team.

This is one of his two ‘great dreams’ and the other is to play for Barcelona, which has been ‘postponed’ because of Manchester City.