Revealed: Man City have two alternatives to Paqueta on their list
Man City are tracking Rennes winger Jeremy Doku and Crystal Palace star Michael Olise as potential alternatives to top target Lucas Paqueta, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (12 August) that City are doing their homework and due diligence on alternative targets despite their confidence about landing Paqueta.
Guardiola is keen to add an attacking midfielder or winger to his side to replace the impact of departed treble-winning heroes Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan.
It is believed the treble-winners have already seen a bid of £70million rejected for Paqueta, but are expected to return with an improved offer in the coming days.
Doku contributed to seven goals and four assists in his 35 appearances last season across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Olise notched two goals and 11 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions last term, helping him win the Palace Players’ Player of the Season award.
Football Insider exclusively revealed last month (30 July) that the France Under-21 international has a £35million release clause in his contract at Selhurst Park.
The winger’s stock has skyrocketed since joining Crystal Palace from Reading in 2021 for a reported £8million.
Palace boss Roy Hodgson recently spoke out about the winger’s future, telling Sky Sports (7 August) that Olise will “have a decision to make” if top clubs come in with bids and claimed the transfer battle is now “totally out of my hands”.
Man City started the new Premier League season on Friday (11 August) with a 3-0 win against Burnley at Turf Moor.