Manchester City eyeing up move for 21-year-old Serie A defender: Reports

Manchester City are reportedly looking to make a move for Juventus right-back Nicolo Savona this month as part of their attempts to strengthen their backline. The Cityzens are keen to use the January transfer window to add depth to their squad after injuries cost them dearly in the first half of the 2024-25 season.

A report from TBR Football has revealed that Pep Guardiola's side consider Savona to be the perfect replacement for Kyle Walker, who they are prepared to phase out this year. They will look to make a move to sign the 21-year-old Italian youngster, whose displays for Juventus have been impressive this season.

A Juventus academy graduate, Savona has become a key player for Juventus under Thiago Motta this season, making 23 appearances for the Bianconeri. The youngster made his professional debut on the opening day of the 2024-25 season and scored his first goal for the club on his first start.

A right-back by trade, Savona is capable of playing at centre-back due to his physique and defensive ability. The Italy U-21 international is seen as a player who can have a similar impact to Josko Gvardiol in the Manchester City set-up, making him tailor-made for Pep Guardiola's style.

Manchester City have conceded 27 goals in the Premier League this season, more than any side in the league's top six places. The Cityzens have had troubles with the fitness of their defenders this season, and are keen on adding defensive cover this month.

Manchester City eyeing move for Ligue 1 defender - Reports

Manchester City are eyeing a move to sign RC Lens centre-back AbduKodir Khusanov this month, as per The Telegraph. The Cityzens are looking to add quality to their defense after a disappointing first half of the season, which has left them outside of the Premier League's top four places.

Uzbek youngster Khusanov has been a revelation this season, making 16 appearances, 18 months on from completing a move to Lens from Belarusian outfit Energetik-BGU Minsk for €100,000. The 20-year-old Uzbekistan international is seen as the perfect player to provide depth for Pep Guardiola's side amid a plethora of injury issues.

Ruben Dias is presently out injured, while John Stones has yet to play consecutive league games this season due to his injury issues. Nathan Ake has also had his fair share of injury problems, leaving the club with youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to cover at centre-back. They are prepared to pay up to £20 million for Khusanov amid interest from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.