Manchester City eye winter move for Sporting Lisbon starlet Daniel Carrico

On City's hitlist: Daniel CarricoManchester City are tracking Sporting Lisbon's highly-rated defender Daniel Carrico.The 21-year-old centre-half has been a massive hit at the Estadio Jose Alvalade ever since breaking into the first-team last season.And his assured displays at the heart of the Sporting rearguard have caught the attention of Eastlands boss Mark Hughes.The City manager was critical of his side's defending in the 2-2 draw against Fulham on Sunday despite splashing out £55m on reinforcements for his backline.And Hughes wants to spend heavily again to bring Carrico to the Barclays Premier League.Carrico's current contract does not expire until July 2013 - but the right-footed defender does have an £18.4m release clause.Spanish side Atletico Madrid are also keen on Carrico, who has played 13 games for Sporting this season. Man City 2 Fulham 2: Hughes calls for improvement as City throw away lead GARY LINEKER: Gareth Barry is who Rafa Benitez needs now more than ever Barcelona's Carles Puyol deal leaves Robinho out in the cold at Manchester City MANCHESTER CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail