City stand to lap up cash windfall if two graduates are sold in summer

CITY have long been the standard-bearer for maximising their academy.

- By ALEX JAMES

The Blues fielded three graduates in their first team for the weekend win over Crystal Palace with James McAtee, Nico O’Reilly and Rico Lewis in the side and Phil Foden could have made it four had he not been injured.

As well as promoting players into the senior set-up, City are masters at moving on youngsters for big fees.

They have raked in millions in recent transfers by selling their young talent and quite often they get a second profit courtesy of sell-on clauses.

City regularly insert sell-ons into permanent exits and they provide the club with an income stream past the initial deal. Indeed, this summer could see two transfers earn City cash.