Manchester City insist they haven't taken their eye off the ball in terms of academy development.

The father of AZ Alkmaar starlet Adam Maher says they rejected a move to City over concerns of first team chances.

"Manchester City FC are proud of our academy and of the success we have had for many years in developing young talent from both the UK and overseas," a club spokesman said.

"Our academy has for a long time been held up as a beacon of success, having produced the likes of Micah Richards, Nedum Onuoha, Danny Sturridge, Stephen Ireland and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

"Already this season we have seen first-team debuts for young players Abdul Razak, Karim Rekik, Denis Suarez and Luca Scapuzzi.

"This shows that the club continues to provide an excellent opportunity for young talent to flourish and prosper."