Manchester City are considering linking up with French minnows AC Arles-Avignon, according to the Ligue 2 club's president.

Jean-Marc Conrad claims he has met several times with representatives from the Barclays Premier League club with a view to agreeing a partnership and they are set for more talks on Thursday.

However, he insists they are far from agreeing a deal at the moment.

"At present we have met several times but nothing has yet been settled," Conrad told Le Dauphine Libere.

"We have agreed that Manchester City representatives will come visit our facilities, this will happen on Thursday.

"But it is still too early to talk about a partnership."

ACA were promoted from the third division last season and are currently eighth in Ligue 2.

If a deal were to be agreed it could see City farm out their young players to the French club, while friendlies between the two would also be organised.