Saint-Etienne have revealed that Manchester City are looking to begin a partnership with the Ligue 1 club, to develop young players for the Premier League champions.

Les Verts co-president Bernard Caiazzo confirmed that sporting director Dominique Rocheteau has met with his counterparts at the Blues regarding a possible link-up.

Caiazzo is quoted by The Independent as saying: "It all looks very serious. City have been impressed by our talent for producing players of Champions League standard. These people are willing to work in depth."

City also opened the Etihad Campus, close to the club's stadium, aimed at developing more young talent to play for the Blues.