Manchester City plotting a sensational swoop for Barcelona starlet

Manchester City have been relatively quiet this winter window and have not made any moves thus far, apart from selling Ferran Torres to Barcelona.

It seems like the transfer love story brewing between Manchester City and Barcelona is far from ending as the Cityzens have identified the rising Barca star, Pablo Gavi as a potential target.

The former La Liga champions are working to tie down the 17-year-old to a new, long-term contract with the club as he has been touted as one for the future. The midfielder, who can also play as a left-winger, has been the standout performer for Barcelona this season with the player never showing a drop in his intensity and energy levels at any given point in time.

It is understood that the current €50 million release clause in Gavi’s contract will be removed. City, who are interested in triggering the release clause of the prospect, as per the Sun, will find it difficult to acquire the player’s services.

The 17-year-old is himself showing an inclination toward continuing at Barcelona and he is said to be excited by the prospect of playing alongside the likes of Ansu Fati and Pedri in a new-look Barca team, the source further adds.

Gavi has been a regular feature in Xavi’s XI and that trend is expected to continue with the former legendary midfielder heaping high praise on the youngster.

"“Gavi’s game was spectacular. His personality is surprising at 17. When I was 17, everything cost me more”, Xavi said after Barcelona’s 3-2 victory against Elche.Source: Twitter"

At the Etihad, Gavi is being viewed as one of the possible long-term replacements for Kevin De Bruyne, who has been showing signs of slowing down with his recurrent injuries. The 30-year-old recently signed a new contract with Manchester City which will run out in 2025. This contract will likely see the Belgian midfielder hang up his boots in the Sky Blue jersey.

The idea is to sign a young prospect and allow his development playing alongside Kevin De Bruyne. It remains to be seen who Pep Guardiola targets and who City manage to sign.