Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho is set to sign a new and improved contract, according to reports in Manchester Evening News this week.
The talented 19-year-old Nigerian, whose rapid rise into the first-team has been excellent to see - netted 14 goals and created five assists across all competitions, including eight in the Premier League, despite having only made a handful of appearances, most of which were from the substitutes' bench.
Pep set to give Kelechi regular minutes
It is understood that incoming manager Pep Guardiola is prepared to give him more minutes in the senior set-up next term, considering his rapid development and the way he has handled himself both on and off-the-pitch. Maintaining a hard-working attitude and an encouraging work ethic, the striker is expected to sign on improved terms - his current contract expires in the summer of 2019.
Having been introduced to first-team action properly by Manuel Pellegrini, the experienced Chilean was understandably cautious to avoid pushing Kelechi too far, too soon. With that being said though, his consistent performances meant he was a reliable and effective attacking option to choose from the substitutes' bench, in some of City's important fixtures where he was not picked to start - such as their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
City fans will hope talented teen stays grounded
In his end-of-season address, club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was keen to publicly praise Kelechi, making it obvious that he is part of the sky Blues' future plans for years to come. He said that Kelechi is a "great example" of a talented player who has pushed forward from the academy recently, and he deserves credit having scored 14 goals at a competitive level.
"He's got a goal-per-minute ratio that is quite remarkable comparable to many important players around the world."
Kelechi will be hoping he can hit the ground running with a good pre-season tour under his belt, before the new campaign begins and revised personal targets are set.