Manchester City scouts present at recent Liga Portugal clash amid €70 million midfield transfer links

Scouts from the Etihad Stadium were reportedly in attendance at a recent Liga Portugal clash between Porto and Vitoria SC.

Manchester City continue to make major additions to both the first-team and the City Football Academy, as well as the City Football Group network of 13 clubs globally providing the opportunity to sign the hottest footballing talent from across the world.

Teenager Claudio Echeverri completed an initial £12.5 million move from River Plate to the Etihad Stadium in January, with the 18-year-old midfielder expected to move to Manchester City in 2025 from Argentina.

The City Football Group also recently concluded a seven-figure deal with Philadelphia Union to sign 14-year-old American prodigy Cavan Sullivan, with the 2009-born midfielder remaining Stateside until the age of 18.

Despite a number of CONMEBOL transfers recently, scouts from the CFG have also been present at a number of European games; with clubs across England, Spain, France, Belgium and Italy.

Sport Witness relay claims from Portuguese outlet O Jogo, who report that Manchester City officials were in attendance at Wednesday’s Liga Portugal match between Porto and Vitoria, with scouts making a ‘profile evaluation’ at the Estádio do Dragão.

Porto were 3-1 winners, and the performance of Alan Varela was reportedly of attention to the present Manchester City scouts, amid recent transfer links with the 21-year-old defensive midfielder.

The Argentine has been made 25 Liga Portugal appearances so far this season and has a €70 million release clause within his current Porto contract, following recent interest from Manchester City.

The Sky Blues have also been linked with 15-year-old Porto prodigy Cardoso Varela, however the teenager is yet to make his first-team debut and can only be watched during UEFA Youth League appearances, according to the outlet.