A deal for a young defender appears close as Manchester City look to strengthen their defence | OneFootball

If Kyle Walker does leave Manchester City this month you do get the sense that they will be forced to sign another defender this month. Whether or not that’s a specialist right-back or not remains to be seen. Now a new report indicates that City are getting close to agreeing on a transfer fee for young Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis. Perhaps the young Brazilian defender could be a player to slot in at right-back if City can bring him to the Etihad this month.

In an interview that was relayed by Globo Esporte Palmieras, president Leila Pereira spoke about the negotiations between Manchester City and Palmeiras over a potential deal for Vitor Reis. Pereira admitted that negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing. But Pereira’s comments did give the impression that a deal between the two clubs could be reached. Pereira explained: “There was an official proposal from Manchester City, but we are negotiating. I will not talk about the amount. But it did not reach what Palmeiras wants. But I’m not in a hurry. Vitor still has a long contract. We’re talking and if we reach a value that’s good for Palmeiras, for the athlete and for Manchester City, ok. But for now, nothing has been decided. ”

Leila Pereira added that the gap between Palmeiras’ valuation of Vitor Reis and Manchester City’s offer wasn’t substantial. She added: “No. Not much. But for Palmeiras it is significant. For them, no. Since I am in no hurry, let’s keep talking.”

The Kyle Walker situation may force Manchester City to act quickly to tie up a deal for Vitor Reis.

Vitor Reis has already shown in his young career that he has the makings of an elite defender. He has impressed for Palmeiras and that form, plus his obvious talent and potential has put him firmly in Manchester City’s sights. But another variable has entered the equation in City’s bid to sign the young centre-back.

If Kyle Walker leaves Manchester City this month they will obviously need a player to replace him. Vitor Reis isn’t a like-for-like replacement for the Manchester City captain. He is a centre-back and has shown that he does his best work in the heart of City’s defence. But a report from transfermarkt.com suggests that the Brazilian defender can step in at right-back. Perhaps if Walker does leave Manchester City this month it may see City accelerate their plans to sign Vitor Reis. The two moves aren’t necessarily linked but you do get the sense that if Walker leaves that the world champions could move quickly to sign Reis.

It appears that a deal between Manchester City and Palmeiras for Vitor Reis isn’t too far away. Negotiations are continuing and it remains one deal to watch for over the coming days. Vitor Reis would be a quality addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad and it’s clear to see that City are working towards signing the young defender.