Man City ‘open to accepting Rico Lewis offer’ after Pep Guardiola decision
Man City are open to accepting offers for Rico Lewis ahead of the January transfer window amid growing uncertainty over his role.
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 Pep Guardiola would be willing to let Lewis move on for the right offer.
However, it is unclear whether the versatile 21-year-old would have any major suitors ahead of the window, with Premier League clubs unlikely to make moves.
Lewis has made just 12 appearances so far this season, and only six of those have come from the start, leading to questions about his long-term role under Guardiola.
The midfielder-turned-full-back signed a new deal at the Etihad in September, but his lack of regular playing time and inconsistent displays have called his future into question.
Man City weigh up accepting Rico Lewis offer
Former City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider on 13 December that Man City could accept offers for Lewis to raise funds in January.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Lewis becoming less of a regular under Guardiola has raised uncertainty about his future.
“It wouldn’t surprise me to see Lewis leave Man City,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s been on the fringes of the squad and has lost his place to Nico O’Riley, so I’m not sure whether he really has a big role in Guardiola’s plans.
“He doesn’t seem to fit the profile the City are going for at the moment, they’ve become more a physical side and he isn’t that sort of player.
“So if they get an offer for him, I’m sure it will be something they consider.
“The thing is with Lewis, he fits into that category of player they have at City where he’s been moved from being a midfielder to being a full-back.
“So he doesn’t have the experience in midfield at the top level, but for any other club he wouldn’t be a full-back because he’s not quick or physical enough.
“That means there aren’t a lot of teams in the Premier League who would be prepared to make moves for him, but there could be some in Europe.
“His style might suit European football more, but then it’s just about whether anyone is looking at Lewis as the answer to their prayers in January.”
Crystal Palace plot move to sign Oscar Bobb
Lewis may not be the only fringe player on the way out of the Etihad this January, with another busy winter window expected at Man City.
Oscar Bobb‘s role in the side has also been reduced this season, while he has struggled to impress from the bench, and is now facing questions about his place in the side.
City are prepared to let the 22-year-old leave in January, with a loan considered most likely although a permanent departure has not been ruled out.
Brown told Football Insider on 15 December that Crystal Palace are interested in signing Bobb either on loan or on a permanent deal when the window opens.
However, there are reservations on Palace’s side about whether the talented wide-man would suit Glasner’s system given his education under Guardiola.
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