Barcelona, Jadon Sancho, 'big bro' Raheem Sterling and Pep Guardiola - a look at Manchester City's Leeds United target and England youth ace Ian Poveda

BORN in London to Colombian parents, former Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona youngster Poveda joined Manchester City's Academy from Brentford in July 2016.

In his first season at The Etihad, the skilful and diminutive attacking midfielder or winger helped City's under-18s finish runners-up to Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.

Poveda then travelled with City's first team to the USA as part of their pre-season tour in the summer of 2018 and five outings for City's under-21s in the Football League Trophy followed in the first half of the 2018-19 campaign with Poveda netting a brace in the 3-3 draw at Barnsley in November.

In January 2019, Poveda then made his first team debut when playing the full 90 minutes of the EFL Cup semi-final second leg at Burton Albion which Pep Guardiola's side won 10-0 on aggregate.

After playing twice for City's first team during their 2019 pre-season summer tour, Poveda made the bench of City's EFL Cup tie at home to Southampton last October and the teen was then named in City's Champions League squad for the 1-1 draw at Atalanta last November.

One outing for City's under-23s has also followed this season with Poveda playing 90 minutes of December's 1-1 at Shrewsbury Town in the Football League Trophy which City then won 6-5 on penalties.

Poveda has also been a key part of City's run to the UEFA Youth League semi-finals.

The England youth international now regularly trains with City's first team and speaking to the Manchester Evening News in December, Poveda revealed that another of City's north west London recruits in Raheem Sterling was having a big effect on his upbringing.

"Raheem's like my big bro, I appreciate him a lot," said Poveda. "I'm glad that Raz helps me out a lot, it helps me all the time."

Poveda is also close with fellow former England youth stars Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson with the trio having played together in the Southwark squad for the London Youth Games.

Poveda's England under-16s coach Paul Williams said Poveda and Sancho were "thick as thieves."

The City youngster's style has been compared to that of David Silva and Bernardo Silva.

Name: Ian Carlo Poveda

Age: 19

Date of birth: February 9, 2000

Position: Winger/attacking midfielder

Place of birth: Southwark (London)

Latest club: Manchester City

Former clubs: Brentford, Barcelona, Arsenal, Puerto Malagueño (Spain), Chelsea

Career stats: One start for Manchester City (EFL Cup semi-final second leg v Burton Albion - January 23, 2019)

International caps: England under-16s, England under-17s, England under-18s, England under-19s, England under-20s. Also able to represent Colombia

Honours: England U16 - Nike International Tournament: 2015; England U17 - Croatia Cup: 2016