PEP GUARDIOLA’S hopes of landing a new left-back are likely to be scuppered – unless a late bid comes in for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The Manchester City boss has been linked with Bayern Munich star David Alaba and Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico.
Guardiola is interested in signing Alaba from BayernCredit: AFP or Licensors
However, they will only make a move for either player if they manage to offload Ukraine international Zinchenko, 23.
And with the transfer window set to close on Monday, sources at the Etihad say any further new faces are unlikely as things stand.
Barcelona are among the clubs reported to be interested in Zinchenko, but have not yet made an offer to tempt City.
The deposed champions currently have Zinchenko and Benjamin Mendy competing for the left-back slot.
While centre backs Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte can also both fill in at the position when called upon.
So the feeling in the City boardroom is that they are well stocked in that position for what will be a busy season.
ZInchenko was ruled out of City’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win at Burnley on Wednesday through injury, but Guardiola revealed he is unlikely to leave before Monday’s deadline.
Guardiola said: “He was injured again, he recovered but he got injured again and it will be two or three weeks out. I think he will be staying.”
City completed a record-breaking £64m move for Benfica centre back Ruben Dias completed on Tuesday evening, taking Guardiola’s spend on defenders to a stunning £390MILLION since taking over.
Dias joins winger Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake as the new faces in Guardiola’s squad for what may be his final season in charge.
Pep Guardiola has spent big on his defence
There may-be some departures from City before the deadline with Barca also interested in youngster Eric Garcia.
But the Spanish club are struggling to raise funds for the transfer and have offered City a swap deal including Brazilian midfielder Rafinha.
However, the offer didn’t interest Guardiola and the proposal was knocked back.
City would prefer a cash deal for Garcia, and will listen to offers of around £30m for the defender.
Man City complete £64m Ruben Dias transfer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
