Manchester City's midfield rebuild continues apace, and according to Sky Sports, Ayyoub Bouaddi is now firmly in their sights following the signing of Elliot Anderson.
Personal terms with the 18-year-old Lille midfielder have reportedly been agreed for some time, with City and Lille now working to hammer out a transfer fee. Bouaddi impressed for Morocco at the World Cup and has been tipped as a long-term successor to Rodri, whose future at the Etihad remains uncertain heading into the summer.
Pep Guardiola's side have already strengthened their engine room by bringing in Anderson, but the report suggests that won't be the end of their midfield spending. City appear determined to secure Bouaddi as insurance — or even a direct replacement — should Rodri depart, banking on the teenager's rapid development on the international stage translating into Premier League readiness.
Nothing is finalised yet, with the deal still contingent on City and Lille finding common ground on valuation. But Sky Sports' report makes clear that Bouaddi is very much viewed as a priority target as City look to future-proof their midfield beyond this transfer window.