Manchester City plot contract extension for midfielder amid Bayern Munich transfer interest | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City will look to fend off interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs by handing one of their prized talents a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.

The Premier League giants have shown a willingness in recent years to protect their brightest Academy graduates with fresh deals, as seen with the likes of Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis, and Nico O’Reilly.

Etihad Stadium officials are keen to safeguard their future pipeline from being tempted away by clubs offering quicker first-team routes, particularly as continental giants circle with growing intent and following recent examples such as Cole Palmer’s move to Chelsea.

Pep Guardiola and his staff have already made clear through their actions that this season will present more opportunities to several young players, with Divine Mukasa being one of the standout performers from Manchester City’s youth system.

His performances at Under-18 level last term elevated his reputation, making him a genuine target for clubs across Europe, who face a determination from the side of Manchester City to ensure Mukasa remains within their long-term plans.

According to the information of SportsBoom, City want to secure Divine Mukasa to a new long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium, having seen a number of Europe’s leading clubs show a transfer interest in the teenager.

The report details that Ajax tried to sign the England Under-18 international before the most-recent summer transfer window shut, while both AC Milan and Bayern Munich made initial enquiries with City about whether a deal could be done.

Mukasa is now said to be hungry to play regular first-team football having had to bide his time for opportunities, but Manchester City see a bright future for the midfielder and as such want to show faith in him through a new agreement.

The 18-year-old is reportedly aiming to firmly break into Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad this season, but remains open to the idea of a loan move away from the club in order to get much-needed first team experience.

Divine Mukasa switched West Ham for Manchester City two seasons ago, quickly justifying the move with a staggering 16 goals and 15 assists in just 20 Under-18 Premier League appearances last season.

He has already experienced senior exposure too, featuring as a substitute in EFL Trophy matches and earning call-ups to recent Premier League and UEFA Champions League matchday squads in the last few days.

The midfielder’s situation has echoes of James McAtee’s pathway, with Manchester City perhaps keen to balance his development between in-house minutes and carefully chosen loan spells.

For City, securing his signature on a long-term contract would send a strong message to Europe’s elite that their most promising stars are off-limits, having entertained offers for other starlets in recent markets.