Despite failing in their interest in Golden Eaglets star, Kelechi Iheanacho, former English champions Manchester City are said to be closing in on a deal for another member of the victorious Nigeria team to the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Chidi Nwakali.
Nwakali, a central midfielder who was a key figure in the Nigeria squad which won the Under-17 World Cup in November, will fly to Manchester from Lagos with his parents to hold talks with City chiefs today.
If a deal is completed, Nwakali will earn £300,000 a year in wages, fees and add-ons from the day he turns 18 on December 26.
Nwakali is also adept at playing in defence and currently represents Shuttle Sports Academy in Lagos.
The move follows a failed attempt to sign 17-year-old striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who has verbally agreed a deal with Porto amid heavy interest from City.
Iheanacho played alongside Nwakali in Nigeria’s Under-17 World Cup triumph and ended as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.
