Manchester City sporting director Txiki Begiristain recently met the parents of Liverpool and Manchester United target Joao Felix, positioning the Citizens ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the hottest names in the transfer market even before he completes his first season of senior football at Benfica.
Several top European clubs are interested in snaring him away from Benfica, but the Portuguese giants are hoping that his €120m buy-out clause will act as a shield.
Manchester United’s chief scout Marcel Bout watched the youngster in action last weekend, signalling the club’s serious interest in getting their hands on the player, while Liverpool have also continued to be linked with Felix.
But according to Portuguese daily Record, Manchester City sporting director Begiristain met Felix's parents in one of the executive boxes during Benfica’s Europa League game against Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this year.
Manchester City are yet to hold any formal talks with Benfica over signing the youngster, but they are interested in the teenage sensation.
Begiristain encounter with the player’s parents is claimed to be part of Manchester City’s effort to charm his family before making a move for Felix.
It remains to be seen if Manchester City's efforts have put them ahead of Liverpool and Manchester United in the chase for Felix.
Benfica have been crystal clear that they will not negotiate a fee for Felix’s departure and a club will have to pay his full release clause to get him out of the Estadio da Luz.
