Man City emerge as favourites to sign highly sought-after Marco Palestra | OneFootball

Manchester City may have been handed a massive opportunity to steal a march in the race for the highly sought-after Italian defender Marco Palestra.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, City have emerged as favourites to sign the 21-year-old.

Palestra is expected to be on the move this summer and would reportedly welcome a move to the Premier League.

The Cagliari loanee is one of the most sought-after young players in Italian football following his impressive development, and City have been touted as a potential landing spot.

City want reinforcements after missing out on the Premier League title to Arsenal. They are preparing for a new era without Pep Guardiola in the dugout.

Several players have already confirmed their departure, paving the way for City to bring in some new faces. Strengthening the backline is a priority for the club.

They have been linked with a move for Palestra, but there hasn’t been a formal approach.

Serie A champions Inter Milan are making efforts to sign Palestra, while Atalanta are determined to keep one of their most valuable assets.

Inter view Palestra as a potential long-term replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has completed a summer move to Real Madrid.

They have even tested Atalanta’s resolve with an opening proposal.

However, they rejected their approach, making it clear that they want at least €50 million (£43m) for the player.

Newcastle United have also been linked with Palestra, but he has made it clear that he has no interest in moving to St James’ Park this summer.

While Palestra is interested in a move to Inter, his head will be turned if City make a formal approach.