IFK Gothenburg have claimed that Manchester City have held talks with their 12-year-old player Kevin Ackermann.

The Eastlands club are scouting Europe to find the best young talents and nurture them at their own academy.

Ackermann is the latest prospect who they have identified as a potential star, and he is keen to move to England to continue his development with City.

"We've been in contact with City and these guys have gone over with our approval and we had a coach who was with them in England," IFK academy director Roger Gustafsson told the Gothenburg Post.

"I have not heard of clubs looking for 12-year-olds in Sweden before. But the work is going in an entirely different way abroad, especially in the Premier League."

Ackermann himself added: "I would like to move there. It is better there and everyone is fighting very hard. It would be the best for my development."

City host Sunderland in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.