Manchester City have reportedly contacted both Barcelona and Claudio Bravo in an attempt to secure a transfer for the Chilean.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly made former club Barcelona’s no.1, Claudio Bravo, a target for the summer as he searches for a keeper to challenge Joe Hart at the Etihad. Eurosport reported that, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the Premier League outfit has contacted the keeper through his agent, Cristian Ogalde, while an enquiry has also been submitted to Barcelona.
Guardiola wants a technically adept keeper in his squad to establish his playing style in the blue half of Manchester. The manager feels that his style warrants a keeper who is comfortable with taking the ball out of the penalty box.
Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, had quashed the possibility of either Bravo or Ter Stegen leaving the club in a conference at the end of last month, reported Football Espana.
“They’re both excellent goalkeepers. They won’t leave, they’ll continue next season and they’re perfect to go in goal. The headache is for the Coach,” he said.
The report by Mundo Deportivo has claimed though, that in case there is a need or question to offload either one of the keepers, Claudio Bravo is most likely to be the one departing the club. The report justifies the choice by stating that Bravo is almost 10 years older than Ter Stegen.
The Spanish publication also added that the Chilean will only be allowed to leave if two conditions are met. The conditions being — Claudio Bravo hands in a transfer request, and Manchester City offer a fee close to the Catalan club’s evaluation.
The Blaugrana keeper had been linked with a move to Manchester City a few days ago before the Blues’ made contact with the player, his agent and the club. The fee being reported is around €20m, which is a lot for a 33-year old player. But if Pep Guardiola really wants the in-form Chilean international at the Etihad, the Citizens hierarchy are likely to pull out all stops to secure the transfer.
Manchester City are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to bring Colombian forward Marlos Moreno to the club.
According to reports from ESPN, multiple British media outlets are reporting that the Citizens are close to confirming the transfer of the youngster. The report states that the forward is set to join the Premier League heavyweights from Colombian side Atletico Nacional in a deal close to £8.23m.
The 19-year old is expected to be sent out on loan to gain first-team experience with La Liga club Deportiva La Coruna reportedly being a possible destination.
The report goes on to state that a host of European clubs including the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United, Benfica and Sporting CP were linked with a move for the young starlet but Manchester City are set to beat the other clubs to the signing.
Daily Mail have gone one step further in claiming that the only detail left in the transfer is the paperwork and that the forward is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Citizens.
Marlos Moreno has already been capped at the senior international level with 7 appearances for the Colombian national team. The 19-year old has also played a crucial role in Atletico Nacional’s semi-final run in the Copa Libertadores scoring 3 goals in 10 games. The forward is also the joint leader in assists, highlighting his ability to provide for his teammates.
According to ESPN, Atletico coach Reinaldo Rueda in a press conference earlier today confirmed that Marlos Moreno and other players will remain with the club until the end of the Copa Libertadores but is free to move after the tournament ends.
Marlos Moreno’s transfer to Manchester City seems all but done with reportedly only paperwork remaining. But, the deal is most likely to go through and be announced after the end of Copa Libertadores as the young Colombian looks to make his mark in Europe.
