Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are the two clubs pushing hardest to land one of the best young centre-backs in Europe, according to a report.
Pep Guardiola already has strong options in central defence, as he can rely on Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Manuel Akanji. This incredible squad depth allows Guardiola to select strong starting lineups in cup competitions while also resting his usual starters.
However, there will be some defensive changes at City this summer. Laporte could leave as he has been forced to spend more time on the bench following Akanji’s arrival last summer.
Laporte has managed just 16 appearances in all competitions so far this campaign. That is partly down to him being out for the first two months of the season, after having to undergo knee surgery, but it is also down to Guardiola preferring to play Ake, Dias or Akanji.
Stones has had to deal with reduced game time, just like Laporte, although he is expected to remain at City and fight for his place.
Clubs are aware of Laporte’s frustration and have begun plotting summer moves for him. Barcelona would love to take him to the Nou Camp. Although, they may have to sell one of Raphinha or Ansu Fati before they can meet City’s asking price.
As per a recent report from Football Transfers, Tottenham have made a rather cheeky enquiry to City about the 28-year-old. But it would be a surprise if City sanctioned this transfer, as it would strengthen a ‘Big Six’ Premier League rival.
While Laporte is hoping to leave Guardiola’s side later this year, the Citizens are aiming to bring in highly rated Croatian centre-half Luka Vuskovic.
Man City and PSG both excited by Croatian prospect
He is just 16 years old but has already been promoted to the Hajduk Split senior squad. He has made five appearances for the club so far, notching one goal.
Vuskovic is drawing comparisons with RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol due to him showing maturity in defence beyond his years.
And City want to get the jump on the rest of Europe’s elite by snapping him up first.
On March 20, The Athletic reporter David Ornstein revealed that City had sent an offer to Hajduk for Vuskovic. However, there have not been many updates on the situation since then.
90Min have now provided their information on the transfer pursuit. They claim City have submitted a €12million (£10.5m) proposal for the wonderkid, after Guardiola gave it the green light.
However, City will have to continue their negotiations with Hajduk. That is because the Croatian outfit value their prized asset at €15m (£13.2m).
Plus, City must be wary of PSG. Christophe Galtier’s team have unleashed a bid of their own for Vuskovic. 90Min do not reveal exactly how much it is worth, but it is probably similar to City’s offer.
90Min add that Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle and Tottenham are all eyeing up Vuskovic as well. However, their interest is not as advanced as City or PSG’s as things stand.
Vuskovic’s next destination will largely depend on which club offers to pay the most for him. But the player will also have a say in where he ends up.
He must choose carefully, as he does not want to go to a club where there is no clear pathway to the first team. This would completely stunt his development, which has been exciting so far.
