Pep Guardiola will table bids for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk and Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho, if the Daily Mail are to be believed.
Why?
In a bid to find long-term replacements for Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany, Guardiola has been given licence to spend big this January.
Van Dijk’s reputation has substantially increased this season with his savvy movement and composed defending making him one of the best defenders in the league; City have sent several scouts to watch him so far this season.
Let’s talk money
Once again, Southampton’s shrewd transfer business will return a profit: signed for £11.8 million from Celtic 18 months ago, a van Dijk departure would command a fee of around £20-25 million.
Carvalho, meanwhile, demands a much higher transfer; with his buyout clause at £42 million, Sporting Lisbon have made it clear he is a prized asset.
Pep remains an admirer and had representatives meet the 24 year-old for preliminary discussions last week.
Of course, the Portuguese will bring a EURO 2016 winner’s medal to Manchester, adding that proclivity for elite success that the club yearn for.
Written by Michael Jones
Follow Michael on Twitter @jonesmichael_97
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