Ashinme Kigbu is a step closer to making his first team debut for English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City.

Regarded as one of the top talents in the academy team, City have acted fast and offered him a professional contract plus promoted him to their Elite Development Squad (U23s team) ahead of next season.

“Kigbu signed a professional contract early this summer and the contract is for around three years.

“He has already been promoted to Man City’s EDS, ” a top source told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Born in Jos, the central defender signed a scholarship deal with the Citizens in the summer of 2015.

Ashinme Kigbu joined Manchester City in the 2011 - 2012 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel