Manchester City enter three-horse race with AC Milan and Chelsea for Wigan Athletic starlet | OneFootball

Manchester City are one of many major European clubs in talks to sign Wigan Athletic youngster Harrison Bettoni as he approaches the end of his contract, according to a new report.

Bettoni, 18, featured 21 times in EFL League One this past season and scored three goals while converting the winner against Preston North End in the FA Cup third round. 

The 6ft3in attacking midfielder is noted for using his feet well, frequently executing short passes and bursts of pace while dribbling at a consistently high succession rate.

Not only that, Bettoni is a well-rounded player whose capabilities allow him to play across multiple positions to create chances and find the back of the net.

Report: City enter race for Bettoni

The prospect burst onto the scene around November time when he scored a brace against AFC Wimbledon on his EFL League One debut from the bench.

And has since alerted Premier League giants Chelsea and City, as well as Serie A club AC Milan, as they view him as a potential star in the future, according to Football Insider. 

It is no fruitful sight for Wigan supporters, however, as their summer has begun with struggle after Bettoni turned down new-and-improved contract offers from his current side.

The Latics have shown optimism and have tried to keep their 18-year-old talent at the club, but amid interest from other clubs, the next steps are fairly straightforward for Bettoni. 

The report also revealed a number of EFL Championship clubs are believed to be keen on signing him and could offer him the chance at a step up for more regular football.

Where would Bettoni fit in at Man City?

However, there is no doubt that approaches from major European sides will complicate the process for all parties involved; it is understood that all three clubs have already opened talks. 

If City win the race, Bettoni would probably find himself playing academy football for a number of seasons before earning his right to play in Enzo Maresca’s first team.

That is nothing to be fretting about, though, given the talent in the City Academy that has just secured a memorable victory in the FA Youth Cup Final against Manchester United.