Man City monitoring Barcelona starlet with surprisingly low release clause
Man City are reportedly keeping tabs on a Barcelona starlet with a surprisingly low release clause.
The two clubs have been involved in three transfers since the summer. Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia left for the Nou Camp on July 1 after the expiry of their Man City contracts.
Aguero made just five appearances for Barcelona, scoring one goal, before having to retire due to a heart condition.
Garcia, meanwhile, has been a regular at centre-back this season. Barcelona are unbeaten in the last seven La Liga games in which he has featured.
The most recent deal between Man City and Barcelona saw Ferran Torres move to Spain for £46.3million on December 28.
The 21-year-old is aiming to become Aguero’s replacement in attack. He managed 16 goals in 43 matches during a 17-month spell at the Etihad.
City could enact a form of transfer revenge by capturing one of Barcelona’s most valuable young stars.
Manchester City want to swap with Barcelona for De Jong
Man City want to swap with Barcelona, Laporte for De Jong this January
The Blaugrana have tied Pedri and Ansu Fati down to new deals, both of which include release clauses worth €1bn (£842m).
But that is not the case for fellow wonderkid Gavi. The teenage central midfielder is becoming a first-team regular, having featured on 22 occasions this term.
Gavi also has Champions League experience, and looks set for a bright future.
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However, it might not be at Xavi’s side as City are reportedly keeping tabs on the 17-year-old’s situation.
The Daily Mail, who cite reports in Spain, claim Pep Guardiola is an admirer of his talent.
A deal could be struck for a surprisingly low fee as Gavi’s release clause is just £42m. His contract expires in 2023, putting the Spanish outfit under pressure to finalise a new one or let him go in one of the next few transfer windows.
Man City boss to miss FA Cup tie
Meanwhile, Guardiola will miss City’s FA Cup match against Swindon on Friday after a positive coronavirus test.
His assistant manager Juanma Lillo has had the same result, which means coach Rodolfo Borrell will take charge for the game.
Several other positive cases have been found in the City camp, although they have not been revealed.
A club statement read: “This brings the number of those isolating for Covid-related reasons amongst the group to 21. Of that number, 14 are backroom staff with seven first-team players.”
Following the cup tie, the Citizens face Chelsea in a huge Premier League clash on Saturday January 15.
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