Manchester City transfer news: City's bid for Mahrez rejected, Mangala to leave, and much more - 31 January 2018

Manchester City are enjoying a 12-point lead at the top of the table. But that has not stopped them from dipping into the market to improve their team. The Premier League leaders completed the signing of Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aymeric Laporte yesterday for a club record fee of £57 million. Here's looking at the rumoured deals Manchester City may do on the deadline day.

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Manchester City call off Mahrez deal

Mahrez is likely to remain at Leicester

Leroy Sane got injured in the fourth round of the FA Cup against Cardiff City. The German International can miss up to seven weeks of action which has made City press the panic button.

Pep Guardiola wants a cover for the injured winger and had identified Riyad Mahrez as the perfect replacement for the German. But according to recent reports Manchester City have walked away from the deal as they were not ready to meet Leicester's valuation of the player.

The Premier League were ready to offer around £60 million for the winger. According to Talksport, the Foxes wanted a player plus cash deal worth £95 million for the winger, City were not ready to offer such an amount, hence they called off the deal.

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Mangala to reportedly leave Manchester City

Would Mangala (right) prove to be a good signing for Everton?

Manchester City signed Eliaquim Mangala from Porto in 2014 for £32 million which was a then world-record fee for a defender. This move has never quite worked for him as he has struggled to fit at the club.

The 26-year-old has only made 15 appearances for the club this season, and the arrival of Laporte would further reduce his chances. According to the ESPN, Mangala is set to complete a loan deal to Everton on deadline day.

Sam Allardyce is looking for defensive reinforcements as he seeks defensive solidity. This deal will also suit Manchester City, who are looking to reduce their wage bill.

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Manchester United interested in City target Fred

Can Manchester United hijack another deal?

Manchester City have been heavily linked to Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred over the last few weeks. The 24-year-old has been identified as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho by Pep Guardiola.

Manchester Evening News has reported that the Premier League leaders have dropped their interest in the Brazilian. With City cooling their interest, their neighbours, Manchester United have a chance to sign the Fred.

The Red Devils hijacked the Sanchez deal earlier in the window. According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are yet to submit a bid for the 24-year-old.