MANCHESTER CITY have found their ‘dream’ replacement for Kevin de Bruyne, according to reports.
But the star’s £47million release clause does not come into effect for another year.
Kevin de Bruyne may not play again until Christmas due to his hamstring injuryEPA
GettyGerman Super Cup hat-trick hero Dani Olmo has attracted City’s attention[/caption]
Pep Guardiola was dealt a massive blow when his talismanic playmaker pulled his hamstring in the Premier League opener at Burnley on Friday.
The Belgian is likely to be out of action until Christmas and may undergo surgery.
And that has prompted City to look at bringing in another creative star before the transfer window deadline to bolster the squad.
Gianluca Di Marzia reports the Etihad club have identified Dani Olmo as a suitable option.
The Spaniard is Catalan, like Guardiola, and usually shines in the No10 role but can also operate out wide.
Olmo demonstrated his ability with seven goals last season, including one for Spain at the World Cup, and has already hit the ground running this term with a phenomenal hat-trick against Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup.
However, finances could prove a stumbling block.
Olmo signed a new contract at RB Leipzig in June, tying him down until 2027 – and a £57m release clause kicks in at the end of the season.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
But with City keen on signing Olmo as soon as possible and Leipzig reluctant to sell one of their star men, the Bundesliga side could demand roughly between £70m and £85m.
Guardiola is also a big fan of West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta and City approached the Hammers before De Bruyne’s injury due to uncertainty over Bernardo Silva’s future.
Reports claim the Brazilian has already agreed a six-year contract in Manchester.
But City’s latest bid of £95m was rejected as the Hammers hold out for a whopping £110m.
With De Bruyne unavailable for last night’s Uefa Super Cup showdown with Sevilla, it was Phil Foden given the nod in the No17’s usual position in midfield.
He lined up with Mateo Kovacic and Rodri in the middle, with Jack Grealish and goalscorer Cole Palmer either side of Erling Haaland.
City scored all five of their penalties before Nemanja Gudelj crashed the crossbar to hand the Treble winners a fourth trophy of the summer.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football