Ajax verbally agree deal for Manchester City forward in hijacked transfer from West Ham

Ajax have a verbal agreement in place with Manchester City to sign young forward Carlos Borges, according to a new report from Fabrizio Romano.

The Portugal youth international was previously understood to have been set on making a switch to West Ham, however Ajax have now hijacked the Hammers’ pursuit and look set to complete the signing of the 19-year-old.

The teenager has a year left on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium, but is now set to pursue first-team football in the Netherlands, where he will arrive for medical tests soon before the transfer is officially confirmed by all parties.

Additional reporting from the Manchester Evening News‘ Simon Bajkowski has further revealed that Ajax have agreed a fee with Manchester City worth up to £17 million, while the English side will retain a buy-back clause and a 20% sell on as part of the agreement.

A sensational campaign for Manchester City’s youth ranks side saw the attacker rack up 29 goals and 18 assists across 33 appearances in all competitions, rising as one of the most exciting young talents in the country.

Manchester City have received various approaches for the services of the young striker, who is now set to embark on a new chapter in his career after rising through the academy ranks in the north-west.

Pep Guardiola witnessed many academy graduates feature heavily during the recent pre-season campaign in Far East Asia, including commendable appearances for James McAtee, Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, and Oscar Bobb.

The European champions are expected to sanction at least a few more loans for their young stars as they close in on the start of the new season, beginning with a Community Shield clash against Arsenal at Wembley this weekend.

There has been widespread interest in Cole Palmer, who looked set to leave on a season-long loan. But Manchester City’s failure to land a replacement for Riyad Mahrez so far could mean the Euro under-21 champion could be set for another season in Guardiola’s first-team setup.

James McAtee has also been keen for regular first-team football after shining in Sheffield United’s promotion winning season last term, while Oscar Bobb is also very highly-rated by those at the Etihad Stadium, who have closely watched his progress in the academy.