Manchester City plotting a move to land highly rated Barcelona midfielder

According to reports, Manchester City have reportedly intensified Barcelona’s pursuit of centre back, Aymeric Laporte but are only willing for the deal to go ahead if Frenkie De Jong is part of a deal.

The transfer saga involving the Cityzens and the Catalans doesn’t seem to be over just yet. Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva, and Raheem Sterling have emerged as potential targets for the Blaugrana with the star trio rated highly by Xavi Hernandez. But, the deal is a very complicated one with all the three being influential figures in the Skyblue’s lineup.

Having said that, Barcelona have shifted their focus towards City’s Spanish center back in Aymeric Laporte. The former Athletic Bilbao man who arrived at the Etihad in 2018 has emerged as one of the top most priorities for Xavi after Barcelona secured the services of Ferran Torres for £55 million in a 5 year deal to kick start what is going to be a crucial winter window for the Spanish outfit.

Manchester City are said to be demanding around the €65 million mark for Laporte. The former La-Liga Champions just can’t afford anywhere near that figure owing to the financial crisis at the Club. However, the Cityzens have indicated that the negotiations could much ahead if and only if Barca’s Frenkie De Jong becomes a part of the deal, the source further adds.

Pep Guardiola has admitted the fact that he has been an admirer of the ex-Ajax midfielder and is in all readiness to part ways with Laporte if FDJ does make a potential Premier league switch to don the Manchester City blues.

The reigning Champions have been absolutely sensational this season in all facets of the play, but the midfield seems to be aging a bit with the likes of KDB, Gundogan, and Fernandinho all on the wrong side of their thirties. FDJ could well and truly unlock his true potential under Guardiola if he does make it to Premier League. Adding the Dutchman would guarantee that City would get the much-needed pedigree in the midfield.

After coming under the scanner for his recent performances, the 24-year-old is no more considered as one of the ‘Untouchables’ and could be transferred if an appropriate deal comes to the table. The source concludes by saying that though both the parties are keen on the deal to progress, Frenkie doesn’t want to leave the Catalan outfit in the near future.