Manchester City ‘covet’ club’s ‘golden boy’ – ‘Following him very closely’ for some time

Manchester City have been watching Genk youngster Bilal El Khannouss closely ahead of a possible move in future.

That’s according to Het Laatste Niuews, who say both Manchester City and Napoli ‘covet’ the Belgian side’s ‘golden boy’.

The newspaper explains that El Khannouss regularly has scouts from around Europe in the stands watching his performances and Sunday was no different.

Bayern Munich and PSG topped another long list of watchers at the Cegeka Area to watch the clash with Club Brugge in which El Khannouss struggled in the first half before playing a part in two goals after the break.

That led to another positive report to add to the ever increasing pile, all of which have been positive. Ajax are long-term admirers and even made an approach in the summer.

Genk resisted then and are adamant that their rising star won’t be leaving this month, having struck an agreement with the player for him to remain for at least another year and a half.

They are aiming for a high sum should the youngster leave, with plans to secure their biggest ever exit and eclipse the €32m AC Milan paid for Charles de Ketelaere six months ago.

That could be easy to get if the likes of Manchester City come knocking. They have been ‘following him very closely’ for some time and could easily cough up the sums being demanded.

It remains to be seen whether they ‘intensify their interest’ and make an offer, but they are keen and continuing to watch his performances.