Stefan Ortega rejected English club approaches for Man City exit during January transfer window

Manchester City’s back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega rejected a number of approaches from clubs during the recent January transfer window over an Etihad Stadium exit.

The latest information surrounding the German’s future at the home of the Premier League champions comes at a time when the shot-stopper is bracing himself for a run as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Ederson’s forced withdrawal against Liverpool at Anfield sparked concern over his injury diagnosis following a clash with Darwin Nunez, with subsequent reports revealing a lay-off between three and four weeks.

As such, Stefan Ortega is expected to feature in at least Manchester City’s next two games, including an FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United and a Premier League showdown with Arsenal – both at the Etihad Stadium.

But things could have been very different for both Ortega and Manchester City, had they not have taken a particular stance over the 31-year-old’s future at the club during the most recent January transfer window.

That is according to the information of The Athletic’s Sam Lee, who reports that Stefan Ortega ‘knocked back’ moves from Premier League clubs in January, while there continues to be ‘plenty’ of interest from England and Europe over the chance for the German to become a club’s number one in goal.

One club named as having seen an approach rejected by both Ortega and Manchester City is Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest, who ultimately recruited on deadline day of the market in the goalkeeper position.

Manchester City continue to work behind the scenes on a renewal of Stefan Ortega’s contract with the reigning Treble winners, with his existing deal at the club due to expire at the end of next season.

Given the lack of progress on talks that have taken place thus far, City remain pessimistic over their chances of retaining Ortega beyond the upcoming summer market, with widespread interest from across Europe in the goalkeeper’s signature.

Should a club make an approach over increased starting opportunities, then Stefan Ortega could field conversations with a number of clubs, despite his happiness with his personal life in the north-west of England.