Emissaries from Manchester City expected in Italy ‘in the next few days’ – Negotiations ‘heating up’ for midfielder | OneFootball

Manchester City’s pursuit of signing one of Italian football’s primary midfield stars from the ongoing season is now intensifying, according to fresh reports.

Officials from within the Etihad Stadium are now intensifying their plans of rebuilding large portions of Pep Guardiola’s playing squad in an attempt to get the team back to its competitive best after an underwhelming season.

Incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is currently in the process of working alongside Txiki Begiristain as part of a handover from the latter, who will be leaving Manchester City this summer after 12 seasons with the club.

After confirming Kevin De Bruyne’s pending exit, the task at hand could not be any greater, while the identified number one target to replace the Belgian has already been ruled out in Florian Wirtz – with rising financials involved in a prospective deal acting as a barrier.

But a direct replacement for the legendary 33-year-old is not due to be the only addition made in the central midfield ranks, as Manchester City continue their pursuit of a new versatile ‘No.8’ solution to add legs and dynamism to a largely tiring roster in the role.

Now, according to the information of Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo, negotiations between AC Milan and Manchester City for versatile midfielder Tijjani Reijnders are now ‘heating up’ with promising signs from the player, too.

It is claimed that the Netherlands international himself is ‘attracted by the possibility’ of playing for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, with the Catalan coach once again proving to be a significant draw for players.

Furthermore, emissaries from the Etihad Stadium are also said to be expected in Italy in the next few days as Manchester City look to get their first significant recruit secured ahead of the new season.

Previous lines of reporting elsewhere in Europe have indicated that Manchester City are already aware of the financial requirements involved in a deal, having gained such information through the Dutchman’s representatives.

As such, it is widely believed that a first written offer from the Etihad Stadium is expected in the coming days, with an agreement possible at around €50 million plus bonuses to get closer to Milan’s €65 million demands.

From the side of Pep Guardiola and his own view on Reijnders, it has been claimed that the midfielder is viewed as a ‘perfect player to orchestrate play’ for Manchester City from next season alongside Rodri.

Many would hope that with the right additions to the playing squad this summer, which are expected to include two new central players, a left-back, and a right-back, that Manchester City could be back competing for the Premier League title at the first opportunity.