Man City ready to raid Barcelona for Spanish starlets

Ferran Soriano, the new Manchester City chief executive, is planning a triple raid on former club Barcelona, according to sources in Spain.

Soriano, who spent five years at the Nou Camp between 2003 and 2008, ended City's 11-month search for a chief executive when he arrived at the club in August.

Despite his knowledge of Barcelona and close relationship with certain players, Sorriano is aware that it will be tough trying to sign some of the Spanish side's top stars, including Lionel Messi, and he has instead set his sights on luring some of the club's brightest young prospects to the Etihad Stadium.

City are believed to have targeted Cristian Tello, who was linked with Liverpool earlier this summer, midfielder Sergi Roberto and winger Gerard Deulofeu.