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Manchester City scouts were present at Thursday’s Europa League encounter between Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt, Manchester City News understands.
Manchester City are currently on the lookout for a new full-back, with Tottenham star Destiny Udogie in City’s sights.
City scouts would have had the chance to see Udogie in the Europa League quarter-final first leg in North London.
However, he’s not the only full-back they would have been looking at, with a different player – one likened to Joao Cancelo – also in their sights.
Manchester City scouts impressed by Nathaniel Brown
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has confirmed that City scouts were looking at versatile Eintracht left-sider Nathaniel Brown.
Indeed, they were impressed by Brown, who lined up on the left side of attack and did well against Spurs.
Brown was especially good in terms of defensive output, winning nine of his 13 ground duels, but he also completed all three of the dribbles he attempted.
Hugo Larsson and Hugo Ekitike were also in the sights of the scouts at the game, with Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham also represented.
Nathaniel Brown factfile
Brown is a 21-year-old left-back who can also play further up the pitch – as he did against Tottenham – and in midfield, making him a versatile option for clubs.
‘He can be adequately deployed as either an inverting left-back or central midfielder,’ Football Talent Scout has written.
‘Even switching between the two roles throughout a match in the style of an Oleksandr Zinchenko or João Cancelo.’
The official Bundesliga website has also likened Brown to Cancelo.
‘Versatility is one of Brown’s strong suits,’ they wrote.
‘His preferred role is at left-back, but he can also operate on the opposite flank as an inverted full-back, and has even played in central midfield.
‘Given his ability to marry defensive and attacking qualities in a variety of positions, former Bayern Munich man Cancelo is a fair, albeit naturally right-footed, reference point.’
Frankfurt sporting director Timmo Hardung is quoted as saying: “Nathaniel is a very talented and dynamic player who, despite his young age, gives off a very mature impression on and off the pitch.
“He fits our desired profile perfectly, and we’re delighted he’s joining us next season.”
