Report: Man City explore deal for teen star with ‘bags of potential’

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According to The Oldham Times, Man City are exploring a deal for teenage Oldham Athletic midfielder Harry Vaughan.

The Citizens are among a clutch of clubs keen on the 17-year-old after he enjoyed his senior breakthrough last season.

Former Latics boss Harry Kewell awarded Vaughan his first-team debut in February while still aged just 16. He would make one further League Two appearance under the ex-Liverpool forward and four under his replacement, Keith Curle.

Vaughan is yet to start a senior fixture after progressing from Oldham’s U18s, but was rewarded with a two-year contract. He signed his first professional deal at Boundary Park last week, with the club taking an option for another 12-months.

Oldham could now cash in on Vaughan’s development, however. Man City are understood to have hosted the youngster at their Etihad Campus following the end of the EFL season.

Vaughan trained with the Citizens’ U18s, but also has a host of admirers elsewhere in the Premier League. Football League clubs are keen on the attacking midfielder, as well, after his performances while still a first-year scholar.

Vaughan leaving Oldham for the Premier League would see the youngster follow in the path of Zak Emmerson. The 16-year-old centre-forward left Boundary Park for Brighton last summer and has been a regular for the Seagull’s U18s with 16 appearances and 11 goals.

TBR’s view: Vaughan an exciting option for Man City

Vaughan is still a very much unproven commodity but would be an exciting option for Man City. He was given his senior breakthrough at only 16 as Kewell was a big believer in his talents and attitude.

Kewell’s successor Curle shared that stance on the midfielder, who has clearly caught the Citizens’ attention. Pep Guardiola’s side could now snap up a very promising player with Oldham seemingly unlikely to stand in Vaughan’s way.

That’s despite the Latics’ hierarchy being admirers of their club’s product. Head of Academy Paul Murray told Oldham’s club website Vaughan has ‘bags of potential’ when he signed his contract. Curle added ‘it’s exciting to have such a young talent’, but for how much longer?