Manchester City target Velez midfielder following Claudio Echeverri capture

Premier League champions Manchester City and the wider City Football Group have seemingly identified their next transfer target from the Argentine talent pool.

The news comes just days after Manchester City finalised an agreement for their latest exciting recruit to emerge from the South American market, after they secured the signing of Claudio Echeverri from River Plate.

The 17-year-old playmaker has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League giants, but remains on loan in Argentina until December 2024 when Manchester City will likely make a decision as to whether the player is best suited at the Etihad or elsewhere in Europe.

But that successful scouting mission has not stopped Etihad bosses from turning their attentions immediately elsewhere, with a new report from Argentina revealing further interest from Manchester City and the wider group in a new talent.

According to the information of TyC Sports, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City and the City Football Group are eyeing a move for Velez Sarsfield’s rising midfield talent Lautaro López.

The report does not specify whether any interest has been formalised into an official offer for the 18-year-old, nor does it state whether Manchester City themselves have specific interest or whether it is merely an option for the wider Group of clubs.

However, a further line of reporting from reputable journalist Cesar Luis Merlo states that Lopez will join City Group side Montevideo City Torque based in Uruguay.

Club Atlético Torque has been owned by City Group since April 2017 and subsequently shares close ties with the likes of Manchester City, New York City of the United States, and Melbourne City of Australia.