Manchester City wins race for 14-year-old American prospect Cavan Sullivan: Philadelphia Union midfielder was also pursued by Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich… but he can’t go abroad until he turns 16

American youth player Cavan Sullivan is reportedly in talks to sign for Manchester City, sources say The Athletics.

Although the main points have been agreed, the deal for the 14-year-old attacker is still being finalized. The plan would be for Sullivan to be loaned out to City Football Group club Lommel SK in Belgium when he is 16.

Sullivan cannot play for City until he is 18.

Considered one of the best young players in the world, Sullivan is part of the Philadelphia Union academy but is yet to sign a professional contract with the club. Sullivan has scored 16 goals for the Union’s youth teams so far.

Philadelphia has been working to retain Sullivan, including a plan to expand its “best-ever homegrown offering,” according to two sources. While the Union would have been open to a deal to keep him until he turns 18, Sullivan pressed ahead with negotiations with City.

The plan is to loan Sullivan to City Football Group club Lommel SK in Belgium when he turns 16

Sullivan currently plays for the Philadelphia Union Academy and the United States U-15 team

MLS commissioner Don Garber, aware of the situation, addressed The Athletic on Wednesday.

“How do we make sure that that 14-year-old kid playing in Philadelphia is said to be one of the best young kids in the world,” Garber said. “How do we get that kid to want to play in MLS, that we can afford to sign him, and that he wants to play for one of our clubs?”

In addition to his club success, Sullivan led the United States to victory at the CONCACAF U-15 Championships and earned the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Sullivan also played in the GA Cup last year and was named to the tournament’s Best XI. The GA Cup is an annual premier youth tournament in the United States. At the age of 13, Sullivan played for the Union’s U-15 team, which defeated Arsenal and Real Madrid on their way to the final.

Philadelphia head coach Jim Curtin spoke highly of Sullivan last year.

“For those who may not have learned yet, a young Cavan Sullivan has the talent and ability to become, dare I say it, a household name and is doing some really big things,” Curtin said.

Cavan’s older brother, Quinn, turns 20 this month and plays for the Union first team.