Cavan Sullivan's Manchester City move still on track

Fabrizio Romano has moved to shut down talk of a collapse in Cavan Sullivan's move to Manchester City, reporting that the deal remains on track despite the threat of Premier League sanctions hanging over the club.

Sullivan, who turned 17 on 28 September, agreed terms with City some time ago on a deal structured to go through once he turns 18. Reports in Spain had suggested City's exposure over Premier League financial rules could put that agreement at risk, opening the door for Real Madrid, Barcelona and, by some accounts, Paris Saint-Germain to make a move. Romano's information runs the other way: the long-term contract stands, and the American is still bound for the Etihad as planned.

The midfielder has given City little reason to have second thoughts. He has 8 goals this season for Philadelphia Union, who sit sixth in Major League Soccer on 39 points from 27 matches, behind club top scorers Milan Iloski (15) and Bruno Damiani (9). Transfermarkt puts his value at €10m. He started for the USA in Saturday's 4-1 friendly win over Peru, becoming the fourth-youngest player capped by the national team.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are said to be watching the situation rather than making any firm approach, ready to step in only if City's arrangement with Sullivan actually falls through. On the reporting so far, that remains a contingency rather than a live pursuit.