Alex Baena heroics prove why Man City should accelerate January move
Alex Baena's latest strong showing for Atletico Madrid should further encourage Man City to make a move for his services in January.
City were linked with a move for Baena in the summer following his outstanding 12 months for club and country.
The Atletico winger was a key part of Spain's World Cup-winning squad as he started regularly in their run to eventual glory.
He is also a mainstay in Diego Simeone's side and has started this season strongly following an impressive tournament.
The Citizens rate Baena highly but are set to find it tough to sign him in January as Atleti are not planning to let him leave.
His latest performance shows that Enzo Maresca's side would massively benefit from signing him in the new year and should accelerate a move.
Alex Baena proves he is Man City-ready against Osasuna
Sources exclusively revealed to Football Insider earlier this month that City had shortlisted Baena as a possible signing in either of the next two windows.
The 25-year-old has been one of La Liga's standout wingers over the last few seasons and earned a £39million move to Atleti from Villarreal last summer.
He impressed last term to earn a key role in the Spain squad, and has started this season strongly with four goals and an assist in six La Liga games.
Baena's latest strike came against Osasuna on Wednesday as he found space behind their defence to make it 4-0 late on.
The 25-year-old had the joint-most touches in the opposition box (8) of any player, created four chances and one big chance, made five ball recoveries and also won two fouls.
He displayed his abundance of ability once again to continue a fine start to the season, with City surely taking notice ahead of a possible January approach.
Simeone has told City why they should sign Baena
Baena is under contract until 2030, meaning Atletico will only part ways with him for a hefty fee in the January window.
Simeone has placed his trust in him and been repaid tenfold, with his huge praise of the Spain star last month proving why City should be hot on his trail.
Speaking after his brace against Sevilla in August, he said: "The motivation of winning the World Cup - in both his heart and his mind - along with the manager's trust in playing him in every match, is paying off for us through his work ethic and performance. We need him, and this is what we expect from him."