Man City 'working on deal to sign Kevin de Bruyne replacement'
Man City have already begun work behind the scenes to sign a replacement for Kevin de Bruyne amid uncertainty about his future at the Etihad.
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 no agreement has been reached about a new contract for the 33-year-old.
As a result, there is a growing expectation that he will leave Man City for free in the summer with interest in his signature continuing to grow.
De Bruyne's current deal is set to run until June, and he has been available to discuss terms over a pre-contract move abroad since the beginning of January.
This comes amid concerns that his physical fitness is no longer at its peak, and he is beginning to wind down given his age and recent injury issues.
Meanwhile, a number of Saudi Pro League outfits have previously expressed an interest in De Bruyne's signature and could rival San Diego in their bid.
Man City make Kevin de Bruyne exit decision amid MLS interest
Football Insider revealed on 2 January that City would not stand in the midfielder's way if he wished to leave and they are growing increasingly likely to part ways.
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 plans are being put in place for De Bruyne's departure, although it may be difficult to find an adequate replacement.
"There's no doubting he is a top-class player," he told Football Insider.
"But he's not the player he was 18 months ago, and he looks like he's starting to slow down.
"He's still capable of doing things that no other player on the park is capable of and he can change a game in a moment, like he did against Leyton Orient.
"He's been a big loss to City, but his contract is up and I don't think they're moving towards a new one.
"We've spoken many times about clubs having to foresee any potential changes ahead of time.
"This is one of those situations, and the scouts are already working to identify potential replacements for when he does leave the club.
"It's very, very difficult to replace a player like Kevin de Bruyne.
"But you have to get as close to it as you can, so that means looking all over the world for players who you think can provide elements of what he brings.
"That's something they're already working on and will continue working on until he leaves the club."
Ederson to quit the Etihad after Pep Guardiola verdict
Another player who could be on his way out of Man City in the summer is Ederson, as Pep Guardiola eyes a major reshuffle of his first-team squad.
A busy January transfer window saw the beginning of that overhaul as Kyle Walker was moved on, while £180million-worth of incoming players arrived at the Etihad.
The potential departures of Ederson and De Bruyne would see City continue to reshape a new era for Guardiola's squad alongside some heavy financial investment.
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