Exclusive: Man City’s ‘No1 target to replace De Bruyne’ is named
Man City have begun identifying potential replacements for Kevin de Bruyne after he announced he would leave the Etihad at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old’s contract is set to expire in June, and he will be allowed to explore his options as a free agent, forcing Pep Guardiola’s side into the transfer market.
Industry insider Mick Brown told Football Insider that Inter Miami are pushing to sign De Bruyne as he would be open to a move to the MLS.
Meanwhile, City have already identified a number of options to strengthen their midfield and will not hesitate to spend big this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 11 April that Man City have identified four De Bruyne replacements including Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.
Man City eye ‘dream’ Florian Wirtz signing after Bayern twist
Football Insider revealed in October that City will rival Bayern Munich to sign Wirtz with preparations already in place to strengthen in the summer.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 21-year-old is now viewed as the “number-one target” to replace De Bruyne when the summer window opens.
The Bayer Leverkusen star’s contract is set to run until 2027, but there is a growing feeling he will be allowed to move on this summer amid rising interest.
Guardiola views Wirtz as the “dream” signing, but sources say Bayern are the current front-runners and a deal could prove difficult for City to pull off.
This would see him follow the pathway of many top Bundesliga talents in the past, making the move to the country’s biggest club in search of consistent silverware.
Morgan Gibbs-White update emerges after De Bruyne latest
Nottingham Forest star Gibbs-White is another name on City’s list of replacements so sign De Bruyne after an impressive season at the City Ground.
Brown told Football Insider on 15 April that Man City plan to open talks with Forest to assess what it would take to sign the 25-year-old this summer.
Guardiola is said to have been impressed by Gibbs-White’s performances at the City Ground and he would represent a different style to the outgoing De Bruyne.
However, Forest will hold talks with Gibbs-White over the offer of a new contract as they are determined not to lose their star player after a successful season.
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