MANCHESTER CITY are set to go head-to-head with rivals Real Madrid again this summer – in a battle for £85 million midfielder Florian Wirtz.
The two old foes – who meet again in the Bernabeu on Wednesday – are both huge admirers of the Germany international.
Bayer Leverkusen’s star man, 21, is believed to be keen on a switch to the Spanish giants when he does leave his homeland.
But Pep Guardiola and his bosses at the Etihad view him as an ideal long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
City began their rebuilding programme by splashing out more than £175 million on four new signings in January.
That included defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez and Saturday’s hat-trick hero Omar Marmoush who can play as a No 10 or out wide.
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But they know that De Bruyne, who turns 34 in the summer and is also out of contract around the same time, cannot go on forever.
Guardiola admitted last week that two long-term injuries mean the brilliant Belgian is ‘not the same’ player he used to be.
Homegrown England star Phil Foden will be eyeing the vacancy – but is also versatile enough to be used in a number of different positions.
However they are also weighing up their options from outside the club – and Wirtz is among the candidates.
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He has 27 goals and assists so far this season for Xabi Alonso’s men – and Leverkusen would love to tie him down to a new contract.
His decision could well be impacted by his current coach – with the former Liverpool midfielder in the frame to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid.
Bayern Munich – managed by City legend Vincent Kompany – could also enter the race for Wirtz.
The youngster has formed a promising partnership with Jamal Musiala for the national team and the German league leaders would love to pair them together at club level too.
Meanwhile City are due to welcome new £12.5 million signing Claudio Echeverri to the Etihad this week after he completed his international duty with Argentina Under 20s.
The 19-year-old has been dubbed the ‘new Messi’ back in his homeland and arrives with a glowing reputation.
He will link up with the first team squad so Guardiola can decide whether he is ready to challenge for a place – or if he should go out on loan next season.
Pep and his squad will fly to Spain on Tuesday to prepare for their latest Champions League encounter with Madrid.
The holders have a 3-2 lead following a dramatic late win at the Etihad – meaning City have it all to do if they are to avoid an early exit.
But they did win at the Bernabeu five years ago – and still have hope they save themselves.
Guardiola will make a check on stand-in skipper Erling Haaland who limped off late in the 4-0 win over Newcastle with a knee injury.
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However, the Norway international was snapped during a warm down session at the City Football Academy on Sunday and is expected to be named in the travelling party.
This is the fifth time the two clubs have been drawn together in the competition in the last six seasons.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
