Sources: Man City shortlist history-making attacker who made Team of the Season

Atletico Madrid are not planning to sell Alex Baena anytime soon amid interest in his services from Man City, sources have told Football Insider.

City are admirers of Baena and have added him to their transfer shortlist.

The Atleti winger was a key part of Spain's World Cup-winning squad as he started regularly in their run to the trophy.

He is also a mainstay in Diego Simeone's side and has started this season strongly following an impressive tournament.

The Citizens rate Baena but will find it tough to land his services in the next two windows as Atleti are not planning to let him leave.

Baena is under contract until 2030 and Los Rojiblancos are notoriously tough negotiators, so City will have to offer over the odds to complete a deal.

Man City to find Alex Baena deal tough to complete as Atletico stand firm

The 25-year-old has been one of La Liga's standout wingers over the last few seasons, earning a place in the official Team of the Season for 2024-25 as he registered 16 goal contributions in 32 league appearances.

That impressive campaign saw him move to Atletico for an initial £39million last summer, and he registered just five goal contributions but was still impressive in his all-round game.

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

City remained in the hunt for a left-sided attacker towards the end of the summer window, as Iliman Ndiaye eventually joined from Everton for £65m.

They will continue to keep tabs on Baena, but seem unlikely to secure his services in January, and will also face an uphill battle next summer with three years left on his contract.

Adam Wharton to Man City latest after midfield additions

City have also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace star Wharton in recent times, but he has remained at Selhurst Park past the end of the summer window.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that City are not likely to sign Wharton in January but plan to make an approach for his services next summer.

Enzo Maresca is happy with his midfield options for now, following the arrivals of Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi.