Report: Manchester City front-runner to sign Nigerian U-17 World Cup star

Fresh off a Golden Ball-worthy performance in Chile, Nigerian Under-17 star Kelechi Nwakali has attracted the interest of top-flight clubs, with Manchester City seen as the favourite to acquire the young midfielder.

Nigeria won its second consecutive Under-17 World Cup with Sunday's 2-0 victory over Mali in Vina del Mar, and while teammate Victor Osimhen took home the Golden Shoe with ten goals, Nwakali was the tournament's standout player.

A product of the ASJ Academy youth system, Nwakali models his game after current City legend and reigning African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure.

"I love watching him play because he loves to win," Nwakali told FIFA.com. "That's all he wants. You can see it in the way he plays, the way he runs and even in the way he walks on the pitch."

Comments like those won't hurt his standing with the Premier League table-toppers - especially after a spell training with Manuel Pellegrini's side in January - despite the reported £4-million price tag placed on the U-17 skipper.

City's interest in Nwakali would not represent their maiden voyage into the world of young Nigerian talent, with current first-team striker Kelechi Iheanacho making an impact this season. Iheanacho was on the 2013 U-17 winning side, taking home the Golden Ball for his efforts.

In addition to Iheanacho's emergence, the Manchester side also has Nwakali's older brother Chidiebere on their books, though he has since been loaned to Spanish Segunda Division side Girona FC.

Regardless of what stage City's interest in Nwakali has progressed to, it would appear as if the young Nigerian has his eyes on a future with the Premier League outfit.

"I want to play for a side that's going places," he said, "like Manchester City."