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Manchester City: Napoli ace targetted

By Jason Bardwell

NAPLES, ITALY - NOVEMBER 01: Jorginho of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring 2-2 goal during the UEFA Champions League group F match between SSC Napoli and Manchester City at Stadio San Paolo on November 1, 2017 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY - NOVEMBER 01: Jorginho of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring 2-2 goal during the UEFA Champions League group F match between SSC Napoli and Manchester City at Stadio San Paolo on November 1, 2017 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City still have a  couple of games left before the official end of the season. The title is already secured and the blues really have nothing to play for now, other than Premier League records.

Falling short in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola is determined to get his transfer business done before the World Cup. Names have, as per usual, been thrown around but one which has caught traction is Jorginho.

Not Brazilian, as his name might suggest although he was eligible to play for them, but Italian. The midfielder is 26 and played twice against City in the Champions League group stage, allowing Pep to get a closer look.

With Yaya Toure certain to exit City, and competition needed for Fernandinho, Jorginho could be ideal. Of course City were linked with Shakhtar Donetsk defensive midfielder Fred, but that seemed to have cooled since January.

If Fred were to move, he would be following the footsteps of the player he’d be putting pressure on in Fernandinho. Both Brazilian, and both playing at Shakhtar, Fred came in as a replacement for Fernandinho for the Ukrainian side.

But Pep was visibly excited by the way Napoli played their football. As a result his eyes may have moved toward favoring a move for the Italian instead. At 26 he is almost two years older than Fred, but still represents a good six years youth on Fernie.

Whichever way he decides, you can expect any deal to be wrapped up before the World Cup kicks off, even though Italy didn’t qualify. Rated at €40 million his current contract runs until 2020 the player has expressed an interest in playing in England, and could move for around £52 million.

Talking earlier in the year he said he was ‘very interested’ and thought he could ‘fit in’. With Manchester United and Liverpool also interested it seems City could be his preferred destination. Preferring to play for sides who are quick in transition, play balls on the ground to feet and play high pressure football, it rules out United at least.

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Of course, it could just be talk from agents trying to increase value and force other clubs to move. Personally I think it could be a good signing for the Blues, and wouldn’t be surprised to see him for the American pre season tour.