Bozhidar Kraev, the 17-year-old Levski Sofia attacking midfielder who is considered one of the world’s finest young talents, is to start a trial with Manchester City on Monday, with the Bulgarian due to watch the Premier League champions’ FA Cup third-round tie against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.

Kraev flew into Manchester on Saturday in readiness for the week-long stay at the club’s newly opened £200m City football academy where he will train with the under-19 squad.

Kraev said: “I am looking forward to having really great time at City. This invitation from Manchester is an honour to me. The experience from the trial I’ve already had in Juventus will certainly help me at City. I am not nervous at all. If I don’t sign a contract with City or Juve there is absolutely no problem to stay at Levski.”

As reported by the Guardian last month Juventus are also considering signing Kraev. He recently spent time at the Italian champions.

Since being at Juve, Kraev, who is on a winter break along with the rest of Bulgaria’s A Group, the country’s top-flight division, has signed a new three-year contract with Levski to protect his value.

Hristo Stoichkov is one of many observers who have been impressed by Kraev’s talents. “He is best when he is dribbling at speed but I especially appreciate his unselfishness and willingness to play for the team,” the former Bulgaria star said.

As a youngster Kraev was at Stoichkov’s Vilafranca academy in Spain before he joined the Etropole academy back in Bulgaria. Spas Dzhevizov, the director, said: “Talents like him are born once in a decade. He is a complete player already, with excellent ball control, vision and unique passing ability.”