City copy Barca blueprint for youth

MANCHESTER CITY say they are aiming to emulate Barcelona on and off the pitch after announcing detailed plans for a giant new training complex.

The 80-acre scheme is also part of City’s plans to conform with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations — investment in training facilities is exempt from the rules stating clubs can only spend what they earn.

City’s chief football operations officer Brian Marwood highlighted Barcelona having eight home-grown players in their Champions League final line-up as something the club aspire to.