Gimnastic defender Pablo Marí is a surprise target for Manchester City.

City's Spanish scouts have alerted football chief Txiki Begiristain to Mari's progress.

Superdeporte says City are considering a move for Mari, where they plan to buy the defender before loaning him to partner club Girona.

Mari, 22, came through the youth system at Real Mallorca before joining Nastic three years ago.

The 6ft 3in centre-half has made 80 appearances for Nastic.