Manchester City are expected to win the race to sign teenage left-back Valentin Barco from Argentinian giants Boca Juniors.

As reported by Football365, City are being rivaled by Brighton and Hove Albion and Serie A side Juventus for the 19-year-old who has established himself as one of the best full-backs in Argentina and has already been capped twice for the Argentina under-20 side.

Man City expected to sign Argentinian Valentin Barco

City have an excellent record of buying Argentinians, with Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta, and Carlos Tevez going down as top-class signings in the club’s recent history.

Although preferably a left-back, the versatile Barco has also appeared as a left wing-back and as a left-winger during his short career. Versatility is a typical trait that Brighton look out for when recruiting and the Seagulls have a good relationship with Boca Juniors following Alexis Mac Allister’s loan switch to the Blue and Gold in 2019.

It is the Cityzens, however, that are in pole position for this deal at the moment. After discussing a transfer at the end of the summer window, Pep Guardiola’s men are confident of completing a deal in January for Barco by triggering the $10m release clause in his contract.