Man City hijack Liverpool move for £5m Brazilian wonderkid after lengthy Reds pursuit

Manchester City are set to beat Liverpool in the race for Brazil teenager Kayky.

The Fluminense starlet, 17, has been tracked by Liverpool for the last 12 months - and appeared destined for Anfield.

But that was before Premier League rivals City entered the equation and raised the stakes - and price - for Kayky.

Fluminense expect to get an initial £5million fee from City - and then significant additional payments related to future first-team appearances at the Etihad.

And their club president Mario Bittencourt now expects City to sign another of their exciting teenagers, with midfielder Metinho, also 17, likely to fetch £4m.

Work permit issues mean both players will spend at least a year on loan at one of City’s associated clubs abroad.

Brazilian wonderkid Kayky is set to sign for Manchester City instead of Liverpool

But they need to close the deal quickly for forward Kayky, who has yet to play for the Fluminense first-team, as Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk are also keen.

Pep Guardiola’s City, meanwhile, extended their lead at the top of the table on Saturday.

Bottom side Sheffield United, who shocked English football to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, were narrowly seen off 1-0 at the Etihad.

Gabriel Jesus’ early goal was just enough for City to ensure they stayed top of the pack.

Jurgen Klopp’s champions Liverpool can respond on Sunday when they take on in-form West Ham.

David Moyes’ men, though, go into the clash at the London Stadium knowing they can leapfrog Liverpool back into fourth spot with a win.