AC Milan’s world footballer of the year, Kaka, could have competition in his bid to break all known transfer records - from Bristol City’s James Wilson.
The 19-year-old defender has had a few dreamy mornings recently - opening the papers to see his name linked with a host of top Premier League clubs.
And his manager, Gary Johnson, is willing to sell. For £100million!
The young Welshman is barely breaking into the ranks at Ashton Gate yet was reported in the Sunday Mirror to have attracted bids of £500k from the likes of Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham, all of which is utter rubbish according to the man overseeing his progression from club academy to first-team action.
“Arsenal, Tottenham, Man Utd, Man City... £100million we've asked for,” said Johnson when asked to confirm if the club had received any enquiries about the defender. “And they're thinking about it, I think.
"No, of course not,” he added.
Wilson impressed during a 14-game loan spell with Brentford in Coca-Cola League Two before Christmas and earned a four-year contract with City in the process. But his return to Ashton Gate has been hampered by a knee injury.
“He's a fantastic player and a great prospect,” said Johnson. “We'd sell him for nothing at the minute because he's injured. But when he's fit he's going to be our player and we've certainly had no discussions with any of those clubs.”
Robins’ fans could see Wilson back in action as soon as next month as the last of the inflamation in his knee settles down and he gets back to training. Timely cover for the City defence since Andy Webster returned to Rangers at the end of his six-month loan spell.
But before Wilson can recommence his progress through the City ranks his manager had a timely reminder not to let paper talk get to his head.
“It's always nice for a young lad to see his name in the papers linked with such big clubs,” said the Robins’ manager. “But he hasn't done anything yet. He's got to do something first and I'm sure he will eventually.”
Nonetheless, the paper talk is likely to be treasured as will the memory of his competitive first-team debut in which he scored City’s only goal as they slipped to defeat at Crewe in the League Cup last August.
It is his sole appearance for City to date but his manager will be hoping for many more, no matter how much idle press talk it creates.
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