Gabriel Jesus wins Brazil's Golden Ball award ahead of City move

Manchester City fans were given another reason to be excited about the impending arrival of Gabriel Jesus after he was named the top player in Brazil's top flight.

On Monday, the gifted 19-year-old was awarded the Serie A Golden Ball award as Brazil's player of the year.

Jesus was essential to Palmeiras' title-winning campaign after chipping in 12 goals to help the Serie A side end its 22-year championship drought.

He managed to appear in 27 of the team's 38 matches as Palmeiras finished nine points clear of Santos FC.

Manchester City agreed to pay Palmeiras £27 million during the summer to secure his services before Jesus put pen to paper on a five-year contract.

However, the two teams agreed that Jesus would continue to represent Palmeiras before completing the transfer in January 2017.

"I'm looking forward to showing the City fans what I can do and I think we'll have a great future together," Jesus said after signing.