Talented Norwegian youngster Ghayas Zahid says he was close to signing with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the January transfer window.
City have expanded their scouting system greatly in the last few years and sent scouts to watch Zahid in action for his club side Valerenga in a friendly against Zenit St Petersburg,
The 22-year old is a Norway Under 21 international and scored a consolation goal for his country in a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of England in September - the same game where Manchester United's Marcus Rashford bagged a hat-trick on his debut at Under 21 level.
Advert
The consensus is that City were interested in bringing him to the club and loaning him out to one of their sister clubs, but opted to pull out of the deal just two days before the transfer window ended.
Speaking to VG, he said:
"It seemed like I was going to join them but they changed their minds two days before the transfer window closed. They prefer to wait until the summer."
His agent Mike Kjølø confirmed the agreement with City and says that his client can still achieve a big move in the summer if he continues his impressive form.
Advert
He added:
"It was a pity that there was an agreement with Manchester City in January, but there was great interest Ghayas from several clubs. If he continues to work hard, chances are that he will be sold in the summer window."
Seen as the next big thing to come out of Norway, Zayid made 28 appearances for Valerenga in the latest season in Norway, scoring eight times and contributing further with seven assists.
Watch the player in action here:
Advert