MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of three top centre-backs after failing to sign Kalidou Koulibaly.
Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez, Sevilla’s Diego Carlos and his teammate Jules Kounde have all caught the eye of Pep Guardiola, according to Sky Sports.
Atletico Madrid star Jose Gimenez has emerged as a target for Man CityCredit: Alamy Live News
City are also looking at Sevilla star Diego CarlosCredit: Getty – Contributor
The tactician had been trying to sign Napoli superstar Koulibaly, 29, despite already splashing £40million on Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake.
But City were not willing to meet the Serie A side’s £70m asking price.
And with Koulibaly now looking close to joining Paris Saint-Germain, Guardiola has set his sights elsewhere.
It comes with the Man City boss starting Ake and John Stones at centre-back for their opening Premier League game with Wolves.
Top of Pep’s list is Uruguay international Gimenez, 25.
He’s been at Atletico since 2013 but openly revealed his desire to play in England last month after openly flirting with Chelsea.
But City may have to meet his £110m release clause to get a deal done.
And although Gimenez is four years younger than Koulibaly, his price tag could also end any hope of an Etihad switch.
Meanwhile, Brazilian ace Carlos, 27, put his name on the map as he led Sevilla to Europa League glory in August.
Reports claim City have struck personal terms with Sevilla youngster Jules KoundeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A master of the dark arts, Carlos scored in the showpiece win over Inter but gave away penalties in both the quarter-final against Wolves and the semi-final against Man United.
Finally, 21-year-old French ace Kounde could be the best man for the job.
He has greatly impressed in just two-and-a-half years of first-team football at Bordeaux and Sevilla.
Reports in France claim Kounde has already agreed personal terms with City on a five-year deal too.
But Sevilla want £64m for their young star and City are thought to be offering a maximum of £50m.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
