Progressing from the Manchester City academy into the first-team might be the hardest task in world football. Pep Guardiola's star-studded squad regularly has £50 million players sat in reserve, but the story of Phil Foden will give every youngster hope that there's a chance.
Now a back-to-back Premier League Young Player of the Year, the Stockport-born midfielder's rise to stardom has been outstanding and he is now even a regular in Gareth Southgate's England set-up.
This season, City have seen the emergence of Cole Palmer and James McAtee - who both signed long-term deals and made their senior debuts recently.
Others have had to go out on loan to impress, with regular gametime seen as a chance to show Guardiola and his staff they have what it takes to mix it with the very best.
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One of them examples is young right-back Issa Kaboré, who has spent the 2021/22 season at ESTAC Troyes in Ligue 1 and has caught the attention of a few clubs.
He made 31 appearances in France's top division, notching two assists, and showcased his ability to bomb forward and contribute in attacking areas.
Now, as his long-term future remains up in the air, a report by L'Équipe, as translated by Get French Football News, has revealed Premier League newcomer Nottingham Forest are interested in attaining his services.
The Burkina Faso international - who won Young Player of the Tournament at the recent AFCON - has already seen his contract at Troyes extended until the end of next season, so Forest will have a tough task of convincing the full-back to change his mind.
Topics: Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Premier League
Harry Siddall