Transfer news: Man City starlet Ashley Smith-Brown staying at the Etihad

Manchester City have tied down starlet Ashley Smith-Brown to a two-year contract, Sky Sports understands.

The 18-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, is one of the most highly-rated young players at City and has skippered their youth sides.

Smith-Brown has attracted some interest already in his career with European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich both widely reported to have been tracking his progress.

WIth rival Premier Legue clubs also monotoring the situation, City have moved to hand him a two-year deal to make sure he remains at the Etihad Stadium.

City are hoping that Smith-Brown will push on for a place in Manuel Pellegrini's first-team squad in the new season.