Manchester City are considering signing young Everton left-back Ishe Samuels-Smith as the treble winners plan for the future.
Pep Guardiola’s side won a historic treble last season, but as the saying goes, if you’re not moving forwards then you’re going backwards.
Well aware of the risks of resting on one’s laurels and becoming complacent, City have begun the process of refreshing their squad this summer.
Ilkay Gundogan left the club to join Barcelona despite the best efforts of Guardiola to convince his captain to stay, while the likes of Aymeric Laporte, Kyle Walker and Riyad Mahrez could all follow the German out the door.
New faces have arrived in the shape of Mateo Kovavic and – barring accidents – Josko Gvardiol. Depending on outgoings, City may also look to sign a new winger.
Those additions will bring new qualities and a fresh dynamic to the first team, but City bosses are also keen to secure the club’s future.
On Sunday, 16-year-old goalkeeper Spike Brits announced that he had made the switch to City from AFC Wimbledon.
City reportedly paid a club-record fee at academy level to sign the promising shot-stopper.
The England youth international will play for City’s youth sides, but he certainly has the potential to become a first-team regular further down the line.
City eyeing-up defender
Now, according to the Mail, City are looking to bring in young blood in defence, specifically Everton’s Ishe Samuels-Smith.
The 17-year-old has been a member of Everton’s first-team squad since September, although he is yet to make a senior appearance.
Hailed as ‘the next Leighton Baines’ thanks to his progress over the past year, City’s Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham are also interested in Samuels-Smith.
The Manchester-born defender joined Everton at Under-9 level and starred for both the Under-18s and Under-21s sides last season.
Like Brits, Samuels-Smith is an England youth international, having represented his country at Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17 level.
