Manchester City have dismissed reports from Italy that they could be facing a transfer ban from FIFA, the Express reports.

A report in Italy’s La Gazzetta Dello Sport claims football’s world governing body are investigating City’s signing of Maltese youngster Myles Beerman.

Beerman, now 17, has officially been at City since 2014 and this season helped the club win the Under 18s league title

But La Gazzetta claims FIFA have asked his former club Floriana and the Maltese Football Federation for documentation relating to Beerman’s time at the club to ensure there was no breach of their rules on the transfer of ‘under-age’ players amid suggestions he joined City when he was only 13.

Article 19 of FIFA regulations states: “International transfers of players are only permitted if the player is over the age of 18.”

There are exceptions for players between the age of 16-18 if the move takes place within the EU and further stipulations are met - and Malta is a member of the European Union.

City sources say that FIFA checks on the scouting and signing of young players are standard procedure with all clubs.

But there are adamant the deal was completely "above board" and that, even though he was associated with the club from an early age in terms of trials and training, Beerman was not registered before reaching the eligible age limit of 16.

They dismiss any suggestions that FIFA will impose a transfer ban that would scupper new manager Pep Guardiola’s plans to revamp their squad.

Guardiola’s former club Barcelona received a transfer embargo in 2014 after being found guilty of signing minors. They were banned from making any signings for two whole windows.

And the two Madrid clubs, Real and Atletico, are facing similar sanctions, which are currently under appeal.