Manchester City 'in talks with Sporting Lisbon starlet Rafael Leao'

Manchester City have allegedly opened talks with Sporting Lisbon youngster Rafael Leao, a player dubbed "the new Cristiano Ronaldo".

The 19-year-old is one of Portuguese football's hottest prospects but, according to The Sun, he has been tipped to join the Sporting exodus due to the ongoing unrest at the club.

Several key members of the first team, including Rui Patricio, William Carvalho, Gelson Martins and Bruno Fernandes, terminated their contracts after fans attacked their training ground last month.

According to the report, City have been monitoring Leao since February, and have now swooped for him while his future at Sporting remains uncertain.

Leao is said to have been rated at more than £22m, but the Sky Blues could potentially snap him up on a free transfer.