Manchester City set to launch €50m move for Serie A star wanted by Real Madrid: Reports

Manchester City have reportedly expressed an interest in signing AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the defending Premier League champions are keen on adding the Dutchman to their ranks in the upcoming winter transfer window.

This comes after a report from Italian outlet Calciomercato claimed that Real Madrid were also interested in the player. Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly looking to sign him but the Rossoneri now want to tie him down to a new deal.

Manchester City are enduring a difficult campaign by their lofty standards. A run of just one win in their last 11 sees them fifth in the Premier League, nine points off Liverpool at the top. Their performances in the Champions League have been sub-par as well as they find themselves 22nd after six games, leaving them with limited opportunities to finish in the top eight.

Most of this has been attributed to their porous midfield, which has massively suffered due to the absence of Rodri. The Spaniard suffered a season-ending ACL injury at the beginning of the campaign. Reijnders' energy on and off the ball and his versatility will be vital attributes to the side as they look to revive their season.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, already boast a talented set of midfielders, including Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Luka Modric among others. The dynamism of the 26-year-old could be a unique addition to the side, who are chasing Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the La Liga title race.

Lothar Matthaus urges Real Madrid and Manchester City target to remain at current club

Wirtz has been influential for Bayer Leverkusen.

German legend Lothar Matthaus suggested that it would be best for Bayer Leverkusen attacker Florian Wirtz to remain at the club until the 2026 World Cup. Amidst rumours of signing a contract extension, the former Bayern Munich man stated that Wirtz must ignore the interest from the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Matthaus said (via Sky Sports Germany):

"If I were Florian Wirtz, I would stay in Leverkusen until the 2026 World Cup. So if he were to extend his contract, that would make perfect sense to me. Making a big move always brings with it a lot of fuss that doesn't go unnoticed. At Bayer, Wirtz is in his familiar, protected environment and could prepare himself perfectly for the World Cup. At Real Madrid, Manchester City & Co. there is a different media world and the pressure is increasing, while at Bayer he is protected even when he is not playing so well."

Wirtz has been a revelation for the German side, particularly impressing last campaign as they completed an unbeaten domestic double. This season, he has collected 11 goals and five assists in 24 games.

He could be a brilliant replacement for Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City should the side decide to eventually move on from him. Else, he could join a talented attack at Real Madrid already boasting Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham though his fit would be uncertain.