Velez Sarsfield youth coach Marcelo Bravo has no doubts about the quality of Thiago Almada.

The teenage midfielder is a target for Manchester City, which plan to sign Almada ahead of sending him on-loan to Sporting CP.

Bravo isn't surprised by the interest and told O Jogo: "I had Thiago at every level of the juniors.

"Already in 10/11 it was noticeable that he was distinguished from the others. Physically he was the smallest, but was clearly above the others at the technical and tactical level.

"As a kid who could read the game a lot, he knew exactly when to play fast, when to stop or when to assist the goal. He is a very smart player, who any coach would like to have in his team.

"He's a cheeky guy who enjoys what he does. He plays the same against Boca, Barcelona or on the street in his neighborhood. Nothing weighs on him for his way of playing and living football. It's pure pleasure."