Manchester City face competition for Serie A starlet

MANCHESTER CITY have entered the race to sign Bologna wonderkid Amadou Diawara, according to reports in Italy.

The 18-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the Serie A side’s star men this season, making 34 league appearances.

And his performances have cut the eyes of big clubs in Europe.

Italian giants Juventus, Napoli and Roma are all thought to be keeping tabs on Diawara.

While Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to have registered an interest in bringing him to England this summer. However, the appointment of Jose Mourinho has seen United rethink their transfer plans.

But local newspaper Corriere di Bologna report their fierce rivals City, have joined the battle to secure Guinean services.

Pep Guardiola is set to take the reins at the Etihad and is reportedly planning to overhaul his squad ahead of mounting a Premier League title challenge in his debut season.

Diawara joined Bologna from Calcio San Marino in a £600,000 deal last year. However, club owner Joey Saputo is apparently keen to make a significant profit if any deal is to be completed.

La Liga side Valencia are believed to have seen a £7.8m offer rejected, and Saputo is thought to want £11.6m for Diawara, with 10-20 per cent of any fee set to go to a third-party.