Manchester City Transfer News: Barcelona set to beat Man City and PSG to £67million Ajax star; City have identified a long term Fernandinho replacement and more - January 11, 2019

Hello and Welcome to the daily Manchester City transfer corner.

The ongoing January transfer window is into its second week, and already a lot has been going in and around the Etihad. The Citizens are still fighting on all four competitions with a recent thrashing of Burton Albion in the EFL first leg indicated that Guardiola's side is in search of the quadruple.

Hence without much ado, let's look what's today's edition of transfer round up has in store for us.

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#5 West Ham teenager identified as a potential long-term Fernandinho replacement

Rice has emerged as top Manchester City target.

Fernandinho is one of the stalwarts of Pep Guardiola's side. His absence had affected Manchester City in their title hunt this campaign when they lost a couple of games in the busy Christmas schedule.

The Brazillian is the heartbeat of Manchester City, but with age against his side, Guardiola is looking for someone to replace him. According to the Sun, the defending Champions are lining up a bid for West Ham United youngster, Declan Rice, who has emerged as the long term replacement for Fernandinho.

The Citizens are unfudged by Declan's signing a new deal with the Hammers and would go for him in the summer at a transfer fee which might well go beyond £50million.

#4 Frenkie de Jong set for Barcelona switch amid Man City and PSG interest

Frenkie de Jong is the future of Dutch football.

According to the Mirror, the Catalans have emerged as firm favourites to sign De Jong from Ajax in the summer with Manchester City and PSG also interested in the midfielder.

The Dutchman impressed during his time with Ajax and regarded as the future of his national side. Manchester City has been considering a replacement for Fernandinho with De Jong identified as one of the contenders.

Though he would not be available before the end of the season, Barcelona could wrap up a deal in January at a fee worth around £68million.

#3 Guillem Balague provides an update on Isco

Isco signed from Malaga.

Isco has been in the news for his struggles under the current manager, Santiago Solari and reportedly wants to leave Bernabéu. The Spaniard signed for the Spanish giants in 2013 and was a crucial part of the squad under Zinedine Zidane.

he certain quality of Isco has drawn interest from all corners of Europe with Pep Guardiola being one of them. However, according to the Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague as reported by the Daily Star -

He didn’t have any intention to go and was not wanted by Manchester City when they were linked to him, under (Manuel) Pellegrini yes, but not under Pep Guardiola.

Isco is currently waiting for the next manager to be appointed, but it won't stop any speculation linking him to top European clubs.

#2 Paulo Dybala to Manchester City?

Dybala's four-year journey with the Old Lady could end in the summer.

The talented Argentine has been on the radar of top European clubs since the start of the current campaign. Dybala is now valued nearly four times more than when he was signed in 2015 by the Italian Champions. According to the Mail Online, the Citizens have to shell out more than £90million which also beckons interest from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain.

Dybala has been in good form in the Champions League this season scoring five goals in the process. However, the arrival of Ronaldo has forced him to play from the right in more often not. Juventus would require his services till the end of the current campaign, and no deals would be entertained until summer.

#1 Vincent Kompany to sign a new contract but there is a condition

Kompany has struggled with injuries.

The talismanic Belgian has been with Manchester City for eleven years winning the Premier League, the League Cup and the FA Cup in the process. He is one of the best Premier League defenders in history with a leadership quality appreciated globally.

However, Vincent has been unlucky with injuries and have missed a significant number of matches in recent times. According to the Mirror, Pep Guardiola wants Kompany to extend his contract at Manchester City, but he is worried about the Belgian's injury problems. In an interview, Pep said -

He’s our captain, 11 years here. We saw his huge personality [in the 2-1 win over Liverpool]. The only problem with Vincent is his injury problems.

Though Manchester City has the likes of Laporte, Otamendi and Stones, the leadership quality and the willingness of Kompany is something that has helped them achieve such great success in recent years.