Manchester City plotting €40m move for 26-year-old Serie A star: Reports 

Manchester City are reportedly plotting a move for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders amid uncertainty surrounding their star midfielder Rodri's future. As claimed by Teamtalk, the Cityzens have set their sights on the Dutchman who has been impressive for the Rossoneri.

As per the aforementioned report, Pep Guardiola's side have drawn up a shortlist of potential midfield targets. Reijnders has emerged as their top target amid all the players they have been monitoring thanks to his versatility.

Reijnders is capable of playing as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder which makes him a perfect player for Guardiola's system. Blessed with a frame of 6 feet 1 inches, the Dutchman boasts a strong physique and is also quite gifted technically.

The 26-year-old has been a key player for AC Milan since joining the Serie A giants in the summer of 2023 from AZ Alkmaar. He has been almost ever-present for the Rossoneri since joining the club, having made 56 appearances while contributing with four goals and six assists.

It is understood that Manchester City are eyeing a move for the Dutchman as they look to bolster their midfield ranks, particularly with Rodri's future up in the air. They are reportedly ready to make a €40 million (£33.5 million) offer for the 17-cap Netherlands international but AC Milan could demand much more.

As per the aforementioned source, Real Madrid are huge admirers of Rodri and Los Blancos president Florentino Perez wants the Euro Cup winner next summer. It has also been claimed that Rodri is keen on a return to his homeland as well.

Rodri is widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in the world right now and has been key behind Manchester City's unprecedented success over the last few years. He has made 260 appearances for the Sky Blues and helped the Cityzens win 11 trophies.

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola provides update on Kevin De Bruyne's return to action

Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed that Kevin De Bruyne will be back to action soon for the Cityzens. The Belgian superstar missed the Sky Blues' 2-2 stalemate against Arsenal on Sunday, September 22, with a thigh injury.

The creative midfielder picked up a minor thigh injury in the Cityzens' 0-0 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League earlier in the week. He was unavailable for selection against the Gunners and is unlikely to be risked in the Sky Blues' EFL Cup fixture against Watford in midweek.

Pep Guardiola's side will take on the Hornets in the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday, September 24. Ahead of the game, the Spanish manager said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano:

"I don’t think it will be long injury for Kevin de Bruyne. I will not say Watford and I don’t know for Newcastle. But I think it will not be long."

De Bruyne has made six appearances across competitions for Manchester City this season and contributed with one goal and one assist.