Manchester City have been in contact with Turkish side Altay about defender Efe Sarikaya, but face competition from Atlético Madrid.
That’s according to Altay manager Sinan Kaloglu, who has confirmed that Manchester City have already held talks regarding the 17-year-old centre-back.
Sarikaya is one of the rising stars of Turkish football after making his Super Lig debut aged just 16 in a 2-1 defeat to Trabzonspor in May.
He’s since established himself as one of the starting centre-backs this season, making 16 appearances in the 1.Lig, Turkey’s second flight.
That has apparently not gone unnoticed, with Atlético Madrid and Manchester City both keeping an eye on the defender’s development.
The latter have developed a habit of scooping up talent from around the world over the last decade, often sending them to develop at one of their network clubs.
Sarikaya could be the latest according to his current manager Kaloglu, who says his president has already spoken to City about a transfer.
“Sarikaya was 16 when I gave him his first chance to play in the Super League last season. He became the youngest player in the history of Turkish football to play in the Super League,” he told AS.
“I believe and trust him a lot. Although we have very experienced players in this position, he always participates and always responds to my expectations.
“I also consulted with the national team coaches. Although he is 17 years old, he plays in the U-19 national team. He is very mature.
“Atletico Madrid and Manchester City want him. There are also suitors for him in Turkey.
“Our president and sporting director are holding the necessary negotiations on the subject, we don’t know what the outcome will be. Our president has already spoken to Atlético and Manchester City.”
