Guardiola open to second Barca advance for Man City star – but he wants swap deal

Pep Guardiola is reportedly open to a second Manchester City transfer deal with Barcelona if he can get Frenkie de Jong to head in the other direction.

The Spanish manager parted ways with forward Ferran Torres after he declared his desire to leave the club. The Catalan giants announced his signing this week, but are currently unable to register him to play due to their financial difficulties.

Regardless, there is further interest from Barca directed towards the Etihad Stadium. It recently emerged they want Aymeric Laporte.

And as per a fresh report by El Nacional, City would be prepared to negotiate his departure in a swap deal.

In return Guardiola would seek De Jong, whom is he said to have a great admiration for.

The Dutch midfielder fits his mould. Although he’s a different player, his arrival would help ease the possible impending exit of Fernandinho.

His La Liga owners were said to be willing to let him go earlier this season. They have a number of young midfield talents and his exit would ease their wage bill.

Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

However, De Jong himself was said to be unsure about leaving the Camp Nou. And this latest report claims he is not looking to go.

He still has five-and-a-half years left on his contract with the club. Also, he has settled since joining from Ajax in 2019.

Man City and Barcelona not done with dealings

Barcelona wants another from City and City wants one from Barca.

The other option for Barca would to be buy Laporte outright. That is a seemingly impossible task considering the state they are in.

The Spain international has struggled for game time in the two previous seasons. But he has featured heavily for Guardiola so far this season.

But City have Nathan Ake and John Stones as alternative partners for Ruben Dias. They will feel they would be able to replace him easily enough in the market.

Further City exit possible

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling has not changed his plans over a potential transfer away. And neither have his prime suitors – according to a report.

Sterling’s future came into question towards the end of 2021 when he indicated an interest in playing abroad. It led to the heightening of links with Barca.

And with his gametime at City not favourable, a move was tipped for January.

As things stand, it seems unlikely to happen this month. Sterling has rediscovered a role of prominence recently in Manchester. However, it seems to be a matter of when, not if…

READ MORE: Guardiola gets final say as report reveals touted Man City transfer still on table despite change