By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

13th Oct, 2023 | 4:24pm

Sources: Ridgeway quits Man City to join Wolves after abrupt U-turn

Mark Ridgeway has quit Man City to return to Wolves just six weeks after leaving, sources have told Football Insider.

It is understood Ridgeway has made the shock decision to return to Molineux after a matter of just weeks despite only recently starting his new role at the Etihad Stadium as scouting manager.

The talent spotter signed England internationals Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in a previous role at Arsenal.

At Wolves, he had previously worked as a senior academy scout.

City have already established a reputation as savvy shoppers at senior level, with Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Manuel Akanji proving extremely good value for money in recent seasons.

Ridgway had been identified by Man City as a potential game-changer as they also attempt to increase their output of academy stars.

Phil Foden, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb are among the youngsters who have made the grade and continue to be a part of Pep Guardiola’s first team.

Meanwhile – Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, Jadon Sancho and Brahim Diaz have thrived after leaving City for pastures new in recent years.

Man City have won three straight titles at the Under-18 and Under-21 level – mirroring the club’s senior success.

Meanwhile, Wolves have also brought the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Ryan Giles and Hugo Bueno through the ranks at Molineux.

The Midlands club also signed captain Max Kilman from Maidenhead United in 2018 – nurturing him into a top-class Premier League centre-back.

Man City sit third in the top flight after eight games, while Gary O’Neil’s Wolves sit 14th in the table after beating Guardiola’s side last month.

In other news, Arsenal told to submit “huge” offer for Wolves star.