Manchester City are considering sending loan players to Bristol City because of the way they played in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at The Etihad Stadium.

City are looking to change their policy of sending most youngsters overseas to Girona and NEC Breda and are pleased they've found a Championship club they believe share their football philosophy.

Bristol City were unlucky to lose the away leg 2-1 and will look to overturn it at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night under their bright young manager Lee Johnson, who was a regular visitor to Manchester City's training ground when he managed nearby Oldham.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City was left impressed with Lee Johnson's Bristol City side

'Oldham is just down the road and City allowed me to get an insight into their philosophy as a football club. Part of my learning enabled me to go out across the group and understand how it all works,' said Johnson.

'I took a trip out to New York City FC and thoroughly enjoyed it. Manchester City have certainly helped shape me into the manager I have become and hope to be.'

The feeling of appreciation is mutual. Manchester City have been looking for an English club for their developing players which places an importance on skill and tactics but also gives them a competitive edge harder to find in La Liga.

Bristol won't be the only club looking to snap up City's most promising youngsters. Sunderland boss Chris Coleman wants to sign England Under 19 forward Lukas Nmecha who made his first-team debut for Pep Guardiola earlier this season against Leicester, also in the Carabao Cup.