Stuttgart's Germany Under-16 goalkeeper Loris Karius has signed with Manchester City.

Karius will leave Stuttgart on July 1 to move to the City of Manchester Stadium as part of the club's Under-18 side.

The player's father, Harald Karius, told Spox: "Manchester City first contacted us after they had attended the German Under-16 side's game against Macedonia in September 2008.

"We were invited to see the youth and first-team set-ups, the stadium and the area, and they held discussions with his agent.

"We had many offers from England and Germany - 70 percent of Premier League sides wanted Loris."

He added: "Loris has great talent - if he didn't, there wouldn't have been such massive interest in him - but football is all about performances.

"Loris can't afford to relax. It's all about hard work."