Premier League giants are scrambling after Chelsea allowed Conor Hunte to leave the club this week. The Daily Mail says England U17 international Hunte was a hotly-tipped prospect in the Blues' academy, and signed scholarship forms with the club in January.

He was due to pen professional terms at Stamford Bridge when he turns 17 in September, but has now left the club after an apparent breakdown in relations.

Hunte, who is an attacking midfielder and appeared in Chelsea's run to the NextGen final last season, was on the brink of joining Liverpool, but City have made a late declaration of interest.

The two potential suitors have been long-term admirers of Hunte, and both clubs made their interest clear late last year.