Manchester City have now exploded into the race for a “generational” £70m Premier League star, with Pep Guardiola said to be a big fan.
Man City looking to sign another new midfielder
Man City made major improvements to their midfield during the summer transfer window, with Tijjani Reijnders hitting the ground running at the Etihad Stadium, picking up a goal and an assist in the opening game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Sporting director Hugo Viana has also praised the Dutchman since his arrival, saying: “Manchester City in the past have had great midfielders like Gundo and Kevin.
“They were doing really well but unfortunately, they left but they are still club legends, and it is not easy to replace them, but I think Tijjani will be a really important player for the club for the next years.”
After returning to City for one season, İlkay Gündoğan has since joined Galatasaray, which means there could be space in the squad for Guardiola to bring in another central midfielder, and a shock move could now be on the cards.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Man City have now exploded into the race for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to start a game for the Red Devils this season, which has left him frustrated.
Guardiola is personally a big fan of Mainoo, viewing the young central midfielder as one of England’s brightest prospects, and there is a feeling the 20-year-old’s ability to dictate play could make him a perfect fit at City.
The Man United maestro has a market value of around £70m, given his vast potential, with the youngster’s future uncertain ahead of the January transfer window, amid interest from Guardiola’s side, alongside Chelsea and Newcastle United.
"Generational" Mainoo would be statement signing for City
It is difficult to envisage the United academy graduate crossing the Manchester divide, but the report makes it clear he is growing unsettled at Old Trafford, having been keen to go out on loan during the January transfer window.
City know all too well just how talented the midfielder is, given his performance in the 2024 FA Cup final, scoring the second goal in the Red Devils’ surprise 2-1 victory at Wembley, and receiving the Man of the Match award as a result.
The starlet has also received high praise from former teammate Rasmus Hojlund, who is now on loan at Napoli, with the striker describing him as a “generational” talent.
As such, Mainoo would be a statement signing for Manchester City, but it seems very unlikely that United would be willing to sanction the midfielder moving to their bitter rivals.
