Man City working to sign Brazilian defender Yan Couto

Manchester City are looking to sign a promising South American full-back on an otherwise quiet transfer deadline day.

Manchester City are working on a deal to sign young Brazilian defender Yan Couto.

The 17-year-old right-back has drawn the attention of Blues scouts thanks to his impressive performances with Coritiba and Brazil Under-17s - who won the U17 World Cup in November.

Couto fuelled speculation of a move by reacting cryptically to reports that City has beaten Barcelona to his signature in a deal that involves an initial €6m with a further €6m of add-ons.

The club will have to move fast to complete the signing before the end of the January transfer window on Friday evening but that is not a major concern given it is not a player expected to have an immediate impact on the rest of their season.

The Blues have had mixed success with their scouting operations targeting young talent in South America.

Gabriel Jesus and Douglas Luiz have both been signed from Brazil during Pep Guardiola’s time in charge: one is well placed to succeed club record goal scorer Sergio Aguero and the other was sold to Aston Villa for £15m without having made a competitive appearance in the City first team.

However, Marlos Moreno has not managed to fulfil his potential since signing in 2016 with the forward scoring just two goals in five loan spells and counting while winger Benjamin Garre has left the club this week after failing to challenge for a first team spot at the Etihad.