Manchester City progress talks with representatives of Pep Guardiola’s chosen Kevin De Bruyne replacement | OneFootball

Manchester City have stepped up talks with Florian Wirtz’s camp in a bid to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star in the summer, according to the latest reports.

City have identified the Germany international as the ideal long-term replacement for 33-year-old Kevin De Bruyne, who could leave the reigning Premier League champions at the end of the season owing to the expiry of his contract.

The understanding in some quarters has been that Florian Wirtz would prefer a move to either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, with the 21-year-old currently tied to his current Bayer Leverkusen deal until the summer of 2027.

Leverkusen are believed to value Wirtz at a staggering sum of €150 million, though Manchester City’s incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is expected to back Pep Guardiola heavily in the transfer market.

As for Kevin De Bruyne, the veteran playmaker is edging towards the twilight of his professional career and is believed to have lucrative offers on the table from the MLS and Saudi Pro League.

However, it has been reported in recent weeks that the six-time Premier League winner’s desire to represent Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could see him extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond the 2024/25 season.

Guardiola is expected to make wholesale changes to his squad in the summer, with uncertainty surrounding the future of several stalwarts who have been focal to City’s dominance in England under their Spanish manager.

City can expect a strong tussle with clubs across Europe as they step up interest in Wirtz, who could be leaving Leverkusen for a considerable financial outlay in the upcoming transfer window.

According to the information of TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, Manchester City have stepped talks with Wirtz’s camp in recent weeks having been given encouragement by the midfielder’s representatives over a potential deal that could take the German to the Etihad Stadium.

City – who are also interest in Wirtz’s teammate Jeremie Frimpong – will have to break the bank and exceed their £100 million record investment to land Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021 – if they are to broker a sensational deal to secure Wirtz’s signature come the summer.