Manchester City in talks to sign 'next Roberto Carlos'

Coritiba sporting director Felipe Ximenes held talks in Manchester last week over a deal for 17-year-old left-back Abner, who is also being chased by Portuguese outfit Benfica

Manchester City are in pole position to sign teenage left-back Abner following talks with Brazilian club Coritiba.

Coritiba sporting director Felipe Ximenes was in England last week and met with City over a deal for the 17-year-old, who has also attracted strong interest from Benfica.

The Portuguese side are willing to strike a deal worth up to €5 million (£4.3m) for the Brazil under-20 left-back but City are confident of concluding a move for the athletic defender.

Coritiba president Vilson Ribeiro de Andrade is ready to cash in on Abner, who starred in the South American Under-17 Championship in April and has been compared to Brazil legend Roberto Carlos.

Any transfer to City would be subject to Abner being granted a special talent work permit for young players to move to the United Kingdom.