Man City turn attention to Alex Baena as January plan revealed

Man City admire Alex Baena but are unlikely to make a move for his services in January, sources have told Football Insider.

The Citizens are keeping tabs on Baena as he continues to impress for Atletico Madrid.

He was part of Spain's World Cup-winning squad in the summer after a strong season for Los Rojiblancos.

City moved to bolster Enzo Maresca's attacking options in the summer as Iliman Ndiaye and Allan Elias joined from Everton and Palmeiras respectively.

They now feel well-stocked in the final third and so are not considering a winter move for Baena unless something drastically changes in the coming months.

Newcastle and Aston Villa have both also been linked to the 25-year-old, who can feature across the front line but is a left winger by trade.

Alex Baena liked by Man City but January move unlikely

Baena has been one of La Liga's standout wingers over the last few seasons, earning a place in the Team of the Season for 2024-25.

He made history in the summer by becoming the first player ever to be an active champion of the World Cup, European Championships and Olympics football.

Baena registered two goal contributions and started seven games for Spain as they won the biggest prize in North America.

He has started this season in fine form, with three goals and an assist in Atleti's first four league games of the campaign.

City remained in the hunt for a left-sided attacker towards the end of the summer window, with Ndiaye eventually joining from Everton for £65million.

Baena is someone they admire and will keep on their shortlist, but he is not set to arrive at the Etihad midway through this season.

Cody Gakpo's thoughts on Liverpool situation after failed Man City swoop

Gakpo was a top target for the Citizens towards the end of the window as Maresca identified him as the ideal addition to his forward options.

Liverpool did not want to agree to sale as Andoni Iraola saw him as a key part of his plans, and a move never materialise before the deadline.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Gakpo is happy at Liverpool even though he was open to joining City.

He is set to feature regularly for the Reds after a strong start to the season, with Iraola viewing him as a striker alternative to Alexander Isak.