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Manchester City are one of the sides showing interest in Sporting Club de Portugal defender Ousmane Diomande as he continues to shine in Portugal.

That’s according to A Bola, who say Manchester City are one of the big clubs in Europe who refuse to let the defender ‘out of their sight’.

The newspaper explains that after the indications at the end of last season there have been confirmations this season that Diomande is, quite literally, a diamond in the making.

There had been doubts about the player when he was signed for €7.5m in the January transfer window but those have all been dispelled at this point as he continues to impress in Sporting’s defence.

Indeed, those in charge at the club are now counting on him being a big sale in the future and know that there is interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Manchester City.

They identified him a while ago and have not stopped watching since, with scouts in attendance for Sporting’s clash with RB Salzburg this week.

They’re refusing to let the defender ‘out of their sight’ and will likely continue to monitor him moving forwards as well.

Sporting, for their part, are not concerned about the growing interest in the youngster having tied him down to a deal until 2027 that includes an €80m release clause.

That’s one of the highest in their squad and they won’t even entertain negotiations for a figure beneath it, meaning they can ward off any suitors quite easily.

Manchester City, of course, have that kind of money to spend should they wish to do so and while they’re yet to make a serious move, the interest is certainly there.