Manchester City have a deal for Velez Sarsfield teen Thiago Almada.

The Sun says City are set to clinch a £16million deal for Argentine wonder kid Almada — the new Lionel Messi.

Boss Pep Guardiola wants the midfield magician, 18, to be signed this week from Velez.

Almada is keen to come to City despite rival interest. But he will be signed and then loaned to Sporting Lisbon for a year.

City wanted to send Almada to Girona in Spain, but they were relegated. So Portugal is a decent alternative.

The teen's club form has been outstanding, so Guardiola took a personal interest in him.

City think they need to sign Almada now rather than wait and risk a possible Fifa transfer ban.