Manchester City are close to signing Gai Assulin from Barcelona on a free transfer, according to reports.
The 19-year-old, who struggled to break into the Barcelona team and has had his contract cancelled, impressed manager Roberto Mancini during his trial at Eastlands two months ago.
Blackburn, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs had previously shown some interest in the player once dubbed ‘the new Messi’.
Assulin is the youngest footballer to ever play for Israel. He made his debut for his country in a friendly against Chile in 2008 aged just 16.
It is doubtful he would feature in Manchester City’s first team, and would probably sent out on loan.
