Manchester City could lose Tom Dele-Bashiru as contract talks stall – sources

Manchester City risk losing highly rated youngster Tom Dele-Bashiru after contract talks broke down, sources have told ESPN FC.

Dele-Bashiru has come through the ranks at City after joining the club at the age of six and has trained with the first team.

The attacking midfielder has scored two goals and laid on six assists in four games for City’s under-18s this season and the club were keen to tie him down to a professional contract once he turned 17 last month.

However, talks over a professional deal have stalled with City tabling a lower offer after Dele-Bashiru turned down the club’s initial proposal.

Dele-Bashiru is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the country after impressing in City’s youth sides and news of his contract situation could alert a number of the club’s Premier League rivals.

The player’s father, Bandele Bashiru, admits he and his son have been disappointed by City’s stance — calling their behaviour “disgusting” — while adding that they are willing to move on if a deal cannot be agreed.

“Discussions have broken down with Manchester City and I know other clubs are interested in Tom,” he told ESPN FC. “We always wanted to give Manchester City first option on keeping Tom, but we are now willing to talk to other clubs.

“We opened discussions over his professional contract before August, but we did not accept the offer as we were not happy with the offer and unfortunately then they came back with a lower offer.

“We are not happy with the way Tom has been treated in all this and I think it is disgusting. Tom has shown he is one the best in his age group in the country and if Manchester City do not value him we are happy to go elsewhere.”