Manchester City have made an eleventh hour move to hijack the transfer of Nancy defender Mickael Chretien to La Liga club Real Betis, according to his agent.

24-year-old Chretien has been at Ligue 1 Nancy since age five, and has made 174 senior appearances for the ASNL during his time at the Stade Marcel Picot. Chretien is also a Moroccan International.

Chretien had been due for a switch to Spain, with it being expected that he would sign for Real Betis, but his agent Jaques Crouzel has revealed that City made an approach on Thursday and will follow it up with an offer to take the defender to the Eastlands Stadium.

“The English club made their approach today (Thursday),” said Crouzel.

“We're now waiting for their offer.”