MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly interested in signing Bilal El Khannouss from Genk.
The midfielder has been likened to Citizens star Kevin De Bruyne and even been nicknamed as the "new" version.
The Moroccan has emerged as a transfer target for City, according to Belgian regional outlet Het Laatste Nieuws.
He is considered as Genk's "golden boy" and is believed to have been watched by some of Europe's top clubs.
It could be tough for City to seal a deal for the 18-year-old as he recently signed a new contract with the Belgian outfit.
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As per the report, Genk are believed to be demanding a fee of £28million for the midfielder.
If City were to match the asking price, it would make El Khannouss the most expensive sale in the club's history.
He has made 18 appearances for the club this season in the Belgian Pro League and has picked up two assists.
His impressive performances have also seen him make his debut for the Moroccan national side.
This was in the African side's World Cup third-place play off defeat to Croatia during the tournament in Qatar.
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Manchester City are also reportedly close to signing Argentine midfielder Maximo Perrone.
The club are set to beat Newcastle to the signature and could sign him "this week", according to the Daily Mail.