Manchester City face transfer battle with Manchester United and Real Madrid for Maghnes Akliouche | OneFootball

A hotly-contested summer transfer battle looks likely to ensue for one of the latest breakthrough talents to emerge in French football, according to new reports.

It is the latest young rising star in European football to emerge as a candidate for a blockbuster Manchester City switch this summer as the Premier League side get to work on somewhat of a rebuild or refresh of their first-team squad.

Hugo Viana is set to be the man charged with welcoming in a new generation at the Etihad Stadium as the Portuguese official takes on the role of sporting director at Manchester City on a full-time basis, succeeding Txiki Begiristain.

And while a number of potential transfer targets have been reliably mooted in various quarters, a new name has emerged from French media that could see Manchester City battle against their bitter nearby rivals for the signature.

That is according to the information of L’Equipe, as translated and relayed by GFFN, who report that Manchester United have now joined Manchester City in the race to sign AS Monaco forward, Maghnes Akliouche (23).

While a summer exit is expected for the forward, AS Monaco have set a price tag of between €70 million and €80 million, while manager Adi Hütter said of the situation recently, “He is ready to make the next step. We will see what happens with Maghnes.”

Alongside the Manchester rivals, Paris Saint-Germain are also holding interest in the France international while Real Madrid could also show interest in the event that Xabi Alonso becomes Los Blancos’ next head coach.

Akliouche has so far registered a total of 39 appearances across all competitions for his club this season, recording a haul of six goals and 10 assists in those matches, with four of those contributions coming in 10 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

One doubt with regards to the latest transfer rumour concerning Manchester City is Pep Guardiola’s current options in the wide winger roles, with Savinho and Oscar Bobb expected to be entrusted with the most minutes on the right side of attack next season.

Over on the left and it remains to be seen whether Jack Grealish will be permitted an exit, although the England international could yet remain and challenge for the role alongside Jeremy Doku.

Manchester City’s attentions are far more likely to prioritise the central midfield positions, particularly with the pending exit of Kevin De Bruyne and the heavy investment that is set to take place to source a suitable replacement for the legendary Belgian creator.