Manchester City U21 coach Attilio Lombardo is chasing Sampdoria youngster Pedro Mba Obiang.
The Spain U21 international has impressed Lombardo during his trips back to his old club and he's discussed the youngster with City manager Roberto Mancini.
Samp sources expect a January offer to arrive for Obiang, with club officials convinced they now have a fight on their hands to keep their starlet away from City.