Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, wants reward for a stunning 2015/16 season in the shape of a new deal worth £150,000-a-week.
The striker’s advisers believe he has earned parity – at least – with teammate Raheem Sterling, on the basis that Iheanacho’s emergence has saved the Blues from having to spend big on a new young frontman this summer.
They also feel rising-star Iheanacho has proven himself superior to Wilfried Bony, who has flopped since his £28 million move to the Etihad from Swansea 17 months ago.
Sterling, who signed from Liverpool for a package totalling £49 million last summer, has netted 11 times in his first season with the Mancunian Blues while Bony, who earns £100,000-a-week plus a £20,000-per-game bonus, has managed only eight goals this season and a total of ten in all competitions since being signed in January last year.
Iheanacho currently earns £15,000-a-week but the www.mirror.co.uk reports that City will offer him an improved contract but want a wrangle over his representation resolved.
Many of Iheanacho’s goals have come off the bench, which means he already has one of the best goal-per-minute ratio in Europe.
City are waiting for the outcome of a complaint over his representation that has been lodged with the FA before they can enter negotiations over a new deal.
United States-based First Eleven Management has represented Iheanacho since he was a schoolboy and advised him over his move to the Etihad in January 2014.
The outfit says the youngster signed a new representation agreement when he turned 18, but London-based Stellar Group says it is his new adviser.
City beat Arsenal to the signing of Iheanacho from Nigeria’s Taye Academy two years ago.
Now a full Nigeria international, he is set to be a big part of new boss Pep Guardiola’s plans next season.
