Velez Sarsfield coach Gaby Heinze admits they're in Manchester City talks over the sale of Thiago Almada.

City aim to sign the teen ahead of loaning him to Sporting CP.

“I talked to Thiago more than once, but these things remain between us," Heinze told A Bola.

"You leave the role of coach, because we talk about an 18-year-old boy who has a very nice smile and I don't want him to lose it.

“He is a boy who has confidence and listens to me, and I tell him to look less at the phone and be more with his friends and family. It is not easy because of what is happening."