Manchester City are willing to break the bank to beat Manchester United for Nigerian superkid Macauley Chrisantus.

The Sun says with Sven Goran Eriksson and Alex Ferguson fighting over him, City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has told the kid's advisors: "We'll pay whatever it takes."

Real Madrid have already bid £3million, while Barcelona and Ajax are also chasing the striker.

Chrisantus has no club contract but is owned by a Nigerian agent.

His advisor, Chris Nathaniel of NVA management, said: "Macauley is very special.

"Just about every top club in Europe has inquired about him. But it's about taking him to the right club to develop not the biggest offer."