Manchester City to face stiff competition from PL rivals for Southampton star
The position of the left-back has been the only blot in a very successful City XI which has ensured a success-laden season for the Sky Blues. The Premier League champions have already secured a double and now face a very stiff challenge from Chelsea to secure their maiden UEFA Champions League title.
Benjamin Mendy was supposed to have his breakthrough season with Manchester City this time around but constant injuries and illness have meant more time on the bench for the French International.
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Joao Cancelo was tried on as a left-back despite having Oleksandr ZInchenko on the waiting list. The Ukrainian International was apparently given an option to leave the club before the start of the season but the 23-year-old decided to stay and fight for his place in the XI.
Now, Zinchenko is likely to start in the club’s maiden UCL final.
Zinchenko’s success however does not erase the underlying issue.
The injury troubles of Benjamin Mendy likely are to continue and Zinchenko has only delivered consistently for a long period of time only for the first time in his City career.
There has been growing speculation about Manchester City’s reported interest in exit-bound Southampton full-back in Ryan Bertrand. The 31-year-old is set to finish his contract this season and will walk out as a free agent this summer, making himself an attractive option for the clubs interested in securing a reliable and experienced full-back.
Caught Offside understands that only Arsenal and Manchester City are the clubs keeping close tabs on the 31-year-old.
By signing Bertrand, the Premier League champions will have an increased depth in the area that has troubled Pep Guardiola in the initial stages of the season.
Moreover, with 258 appearances for the Saints, Bertrand is as experienced as they come.
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Manchester City were also linked with Renan Lodi a few months back. A possible transfer for the Atletico Madrid man cannot be ruled out as it is understood that Pep Guardiola is likely to be backed in the transfer market following the club’s third Premier League triumph in four years.