Man City ‘plot move to sign Michael Kayode’ after transfer mission
Man City are plotting a move to sign Brentford star Michael Kayode as they aim to address their long-standing concerns about the right-back position.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City are keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old and have been to watch him on multiple occasions.
Kayode has shone for Brentford so far this season and has caught the eye with his incredible long throw-in technique, and proven to be one of the brightest talents in the Premier League.
Since making the permanent switch to the Gtech Community Stadium in the summer, Kayode has made 26 appearances under Keith Andrews and become a crucial player.
As a result, Brentford are hopeful of keeping hold of the Italy Under-21 international and will demand a significant fee to sell him, both in January and in the summer.
Man City sets sights on Brentford’s Michael Kayode
Brown told Football Insider in September that Pep Guardiola wants to sign a right-back as a priority amid interest in Newcastle star Tino Livramento.
Kayode has emerged as another contender for the role, and while a January move is considered unlikely, City plan to keep tabs on his progress at Brentford.
“Man City have highlighted the fact they need a right-back,” Brown told Football Insider.
“They’re not unhappy with their current options, but there is a feeling they need a player who is natural in that position if they want to get the best out of them.
“Kayode certainly fits into that bracket, and the City scouts have been watching him.
“They’d like to get somebody who plays in the Premier League because it takes away the question of whether they’ll be able to adapt, and Kayode has been very impressive.
“It’s not something I would expect to happen in January, because Brentford won’t want to lose an important players mid-way through the season.
“But City will keep an eye on him and his progress and it might be something they look to do in the summer if he continues to impress.”
Man City plan to accept Oscar Bobb offer
Incoming deals are not the only plan for City in January, however, as they aim to continue a long-term overhaul of the squad with outgoing deals also sanctioned.
Brown told Football Insider on 13 January that Man City will accept offers for Oscar Bobb this month after he was pushed down the pecking order by Antoine Semenyo.
Semenyo enjoyed a strong start to life at the Etihad, picking up a goal and an assist as Pep Guardiola‘s side beat Exeter City 10-1 in the FA Cup third round.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 15 December that Crystal Palace are interested in Bobb and could make a move this month.
Borussia Dortmund are leading the race for Bobb’s signature, despite interest from Palace and other Premier League clubs, and talks over his exit could now accelerate.
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