City snap up Zander

Manchester City have completed the signing of teenage Schalke full-back Nils Zander.

The German youth international is yet to make his senior debut for the Bundesliga outfit but has shown enough in their junior ranks for City manager Mark Hughes to be convinced of his quality.

And, for all the star names Hughes continues to be linked with, the former Wales chief has made 16-year-old Zander his first capture of the summer.

It is not anticipated Zander will go straight into Hughes’ senior squad.

However, with Michael Ball set to leave Eastlands this summer and Javier Garrido not convincing Hughes of his long-term value for the Blues, Zander could easily be called upon to deputise for Wayne Bridge at some stage next term.