English, German and French clubs circling for Manchester City centre-back amidst allegiance battle

Clubs from across Europe are looking to sign Manchester City centre-back Jadel Katongo, who is likely to be allowed to leave the Etihad Stadium on loan this summer.

The 18 year-old, who made 27 appearances across numerous academy competitions including the Premier League 2, U18s Premier League and UEFA Youth League last season, has been with Manchester City for nine years.

Katongo has a contract at the City Football Academy until 2024, and could be the latest teenager to be allowed to leave on loan in search of regular first-team minutes.

Manchester City have recently sanctioned a loan move for fellow teenage central defender Callum Doyle, who is expected to sign for Leicester City on a season-long loan imminently.

The Sky Blues are also due to allow Cole Palmer to leave the club this summer, with Brighton leading the race to sign the 21 year-old on loan.

Meanwhile, James McAtee is set to be part of Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad for the upcoming campaign after an impressive season at Sheffield United in the Sky Bet Championship.

Katongo could also depart on loan this summer according to Pete O’Rourke, who reports that a series of clubs in England, France and Germany are making moves to try and sign the teenage defender.

A number of EFL clubs have enquired about signing the centre-back report Football Insider, with teams ‘keen on striking’ a deal with Manchester City to sign the player on loan.

Football Insider further report that the teenager is amidst an international allegiance battle, with both England and Zambia keen to secure the defender.

Katongo reportedly rejected the chance to attend an U19s England camp this summer after an invite from Zambia manager Avram Grant to train with the Zambian first-team, ahead of AFCON qualifiers.

Zambia are ‘hopeful’ of persuading the defender to snub England’s interest, despite Katongo having played for the Three Lions’ U18s.

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