Manchester City midfield transfer target poised to sign new contract to prevent Etihad Stadium approach | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City are poised to receive disappointment when it comes to reported transfer interest in one of the stand-out midfield names from Italy.

Etihad Stadium officials are expected to be eyeing potential reinforcement during the upcoming January transfer window amid a growing and concerning injury crisis hitting Pep Guardiola’s side.

The main point of concern amongst Manchester City supporters in particular centres around the defensive midfield ranks, and the squad’s ability to maintain competitive without their Ballon d’Or winner Rodri through injury.

The Spaniard, who won football’s greatest individual prize ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr last month, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and potentially beyond after sustaining a double knee injury during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September.

A number of names have already been tied to potential interest from the Premier League champions ahead of a move in the January market, but one profile may be about to leave the table of options.

According to the information of Italian newspaper Calciomercato, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders holds admiration from Manchester City, who join Tottenham in having ‘followed him for months’.

However, it is explained that both clubs will face disappointment and frustration regarding the 26-year-old, with the player and his club moving towards the signing of a new contractual agreement.

The report reveals that a new deal could be signed as soon as early 2025, extending his contract at San Siro until the summer of 2030, rising his salary to €3.5 million per season, with ‘great confidence’ over a renewal.

It remains somewhat unclear whether there is a clear intention from the side of Manchester City to recruit in January, with Pep Guardiola recently hinting that the resolution of injury problems would leave them in good shape for the second-half of the season.

“Maybe in January we’ll have the whole squad fit, except Rodri, Oscar [Bobb] in the last stages. [of his recovery],” Pep Guardiola responded when quizzed on the chances of Manchester City moving into the market over the winter weeks.

“When we are all together, the squad is enough; it’s complete, nice, top, and everybody is completely focussed and fit.”

Aside from the aforementioned Reijnders, Manchester City have also been linked with Torino’s Samuele Ricci, as the 23-year-old continues to impress onlookers with his development at both club level and with the senior Italian national side.