Manchester City interested in £60 million-rated midfielder Liverpool wanted - Reports

Manchester City have set their sights on Liverpool target Alan Varela, according to Football Transfers. The Argentinian midfielder has been in inspired form for Porto in recent times and has already turned heads in the Premier League.

City are in the market for midfield reinforcements following Rodri's unfortunate ACL injury. The Spaniard is now expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season, putting the reigning champions in a spot of bother.

Manchester City are planning to get their hands on a record fifth consecutive title this season. Rodri has been integral to their success in the last few campaigns and is the one who makes the midfield tick.

His absence could pose a huge problem for Pep Guardiola's team. The Spanish manager thankfully has Ilkay Gundogan in his squad, while youngster Rico Lewis can also carry out that role. However, the Cityzens want a specialist for the job and have found their man in Varela.

The 23-year-old is a similar profile to Rodri and has appeared nine times across competitions this season. He was wanted by Liverpool this summer, although a move failed to materialize.

Manchester City are apparently planning to move for the Argentinian at the turn of the year, although they could face competition from the Reds. The Merseyside club failed to bolster their midfield this summer, with Martin Zubimendi turning down a move to Anfield.

Liverpool are looking to usher in a new era following Jurgen Klopp's exit this summer. New manager Arne Slot has been quite impressive so far but could be tempted to upgrade his midfield in January.

The report adds that Varela has a £60m release clause in his deal and that Manchester City are ready to pay that amount. However, the Argentinian could struggle for chances at the Etihad once Rodri regains fitness.

Can Liverpool pip Manchester City to the Premier League this season?

Pep Guardiola

Liverpool could be the biggest threat to Manchester City's title challenge this season. The Merseyside club have taken to Arne Slot's tactics like fish to water and have won nine of their 10 games across competitions.

The Reds' only defeat has come in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest. On Saturday (October 5), Liverpool registered a controversial 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to stay at the top of the league.

However, City are no pushovers and it would be silly to rule them out of the title race just yet. Pep Guardiola's team are serial winners, and are just a point behind the Reds in second place after seven games.