Man City ‘hell-bent’ on beating Bayern Munich to superstar signing
Man City are prepared to do everything possible to convince Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz to join them ahead of Bayern Munich this summer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old has been identified as the one City want.
Pep Guardiola’s side are said to be “hell-bent” on signing the Germany international and will push to reach an agreement with Leverkusen this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 19 April that Wirtz is Man City’s top target to replace Kevin de Bruyne, but Bayern are currently the favourites for his signature.
However, City believe they have a chance beating their rivals to the midfielder and have been working behind the scenes to reach an agreement.
This comes after Brown previously told Football Insider that Man City have held talks with Wirtz’s representatives about the possibility of a deal.
Man City accelerate Florian Wirtz signing
Brown told Football Insider in February that City are working on a deal for Wirtz as part of their plans for a major squad overhaul this summer.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that they are now prepared to do everything they can to bring him in.
“Manchester City can beat anybody in the world to a deal,” he told Football Insider.
“They’re one of the best sides in Europe and their record over the last ten years is enough to convince any player that they’d be a good club to play for.
“Up against that, though, this is Bayern Munich – they hold plenty of aces.
“Young German players always end up there, they’re the biggest and most successful club there so it’s always going to be attractive to somebody like Wirtz.
“But from what I hear, City have identified him as the one they want and they’re hell-bent on getting it done.
“They’re going to do everything they can to persuade him to turn down Bayern and join them.
“I think for any German player, Bayern are usually the club leading the race, but City believe they can beat them to it so we’ll see what happens.”
Pep Guardiola to sanction John Stones exit
Alongside speculation about De Bruyne’s future and his potential replacements, City are also prepared to lose another long-serving star.
Brown told Football Insider on 5 May than Man City will accept offers for John Stones as Guardiola no longer sees him as part of his long-term plans.
The 30-year-old has started just 13 games across all competitions so far this season, missing a total of 30 games for club and country through various injuries.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in March that Man City will let Stones leave amid growing concerns about his injury issues.
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