City youngster Mohammad Abu is to join Rayo Vallecano on loan for the season.

Abu spent last season at Norweigan outfit, Stromsgodset, making 35 appearances for the team.

“We think this will be a good move for the player, great experience and a fantastic chance for him to play regularly and get back into the Ghana national team,” said boss Roberto Mancini.

“Mohammed has done well on loan and is a good player with good potential. He will be playing in a top league with high class players.”

With four Ghanian caps to his name, the 20-year old is a highly rated midfielder who was a part of his country’s African Cup of Nations squad for last year’s tournament.

A tenacious, uncompromising player, Mohammed made a big impression in Norway last year, winning a host of admirers thanks to his athleticism, positional discipline and eye for a long range strike.

Abu signed a new long-term contract at City in October 2011 and scored his first goal in professional football shortly after with a 35-yard screamer for Stromgodset against Songdnal

A delighted Abu told mcfc.co.uk at the time, “I’m so happy to get a new contract, and to see that the club have a lot of faith in what I’ve done. I am working towards the day when I can wear a Manchester City shirt in a first team game.”

Rayo Vallecano are widely regarded as Madrid’s third biggest side. Last season Los Franjirrojos finished 15th in their first year back in La Liga since 2002/03.

Rayo play in the 15,500-seater stadium Campo de Futebol de Vallecas.

Everyone at Manchester City would like to wish Mohammad all the best for the season ahead.