Man City agree £86m deal for Morocco World Cup star Bouaddi

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Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Lille to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for a fee that could rise to €100m (£85.6m).

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The Premier League champions have been in advanced negotiations with Lille over the Morocco international, with a deal now close to completion.

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Lille have reportedly agreed to an initial fee of £81.4m for Bouaddi, with a further £4.2m in potential add-ons.

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Bouaddi is expected to complete his move to England after the two clubs reached an agreement for his transfer.

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Manchester City have identified central midfield as an area that requires reinforcement following the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.

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Rodri moved to Barcelona for £65m, while Reijnders joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah in a £52m deal.

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City are also still interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, although it remains unclear whether they can reach an agreement with the London club.

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The club have already made a major midfield addition this summer by signing England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m.

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Bouaddi’s arrival would further strengthen City’s midfield options as manager Enzo Maresca looks to build his squad for the new campaign.

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City will begin their Premier League campaign at home against Bournemouth on Sunday at 2pm BST, following their Community Shield defeat by Arsenal last weekend.

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