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Manchester City have improved their chances of landing the best South American talent.

City Football Group has bought Atletico Torque, a Uruguayan second division club, and reached an agreement with Venezuelan Primera Division side Atletico Venezuela.

As a result, the club's scouting presence on the continent will double.

City Football Group Chief Executive Ferran Soriano said : “We are pleased to take this next step in our football development operations.

"The investment in CA Torque enables our organisation to build on existing connectivity in Uruguay and helps to expand the options for identifying and developing local and South American talent.

"This move also provides us with an administrative hub for our pre-existing scouting operations in the region and provides a footprint for City Football Group in South America.

"I am also delighted to start a working partnership with Atletico Venezuela to the benefit of both clubs. The collaboration agreement allows us to share knowledge, insights and hard data, all of which enables us to further complement and increase our scouting and recruitment operations on the continent.”

City changed their approach in the transfer market last summer, going directly to South America to secure the talents of Gabriel Jesus and Marlos Moreno.

By snapping up the players before they have already made a move to Europe, the Blues hope to save millions and have players at their disposal for as long as possible.

Pep Guardiola has spoken of building the future of the club, and another squad overhaul is expected this summer.