With Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expected to sign a two-year contract extension, journalist Jack Gaughan has revealed a new “central midfielder” is top of the Spaniard’s priorities ahead of next summer.
Heading the list of options is believed to be Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, with the Citizens having promised Guardiola that they will give him the finances to strengthen his squad at the end of the season:
Pep Guardiola is closing in on a new Manchester City contract with confidence growing that he will extend his stay at the club until 2025 | @Jack_Gaughan pic.twitter.com/PZJFRwd2O7
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) November 22, 2022
However, City know that they will have to see off the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid if they want Bellingham, with both teams having already put in the ground with the player ahead of a potential transfer.
Dortmund’s valuation of the 19-year-old, though, could hand City the advantage. If they do hold out for a fee in the region of €150m (£130m), the Premier League champions could be best placed to secure the player’s services.
With Guardiola set to stay at the Etihad, it will also reassure Bellingham that, if he moves to the Etihad, he will be part of a successful team.