Inter Milan set to make shock swoop for Manchester City starlet Brahim Diaz
Highly-rated youth team product is finding it hard to force his way into first team squad at Etihad but European giants are ready to pounce
INTER MILAN are chasing Manchester City prodigy Brahim Diaz.
The 18-year-old Spaniard has been groomed for success at the Etihad Stadium where the club have high hopes he can become a star in the future.
But Inter have become the latest club to show an interest in the teenager in the belief they can prise him away from the Premier League leaders.
Italian paper Tuttosport say the Serie A club have been monitoring the form of the creative midfielder as they consider making a bid in the January transfer window.
They say Inter have become aware that Diaz is finding it hard to make the breakthrough into the City first team squad because of the wealth of talent they have.
It is claimed that they may try to lure the youngster to the San Siro with the promise of being advanced into the first team picture more often.
They are not the only top club from overseas who have been tracking Diaz, who has been at City since 2013 when he was picked up from Malaga.
Real Madrid have also shown an interest in the playmaker who has already been involved in the Spain under-21 set-up.
Diaz made his first team debut for City as a 17-year-old last season when he came on as a late sub in an EFL Cup tie against Swansea.
But City have concentrated most of his development by keeping him in their under-23 squad - and he also played a key role in helping them to the FA Youth Cup final last season.
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Diaz travelled to America with Pep Guardiola and the first team squad for pre-season training, where he was involved in the 4-1 friendly win over Real Madrid.
But he has not been involved in any of City's matches this season as Guardiola looks to claim the Premier League title.
His path to the first team is blocked by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, so his opportunities are likely to be limited in the short term.
But City do still rate the teenager and believe he will be ready to make the step up to first team action in the next 18 months.