From France: Manchester City hopeful of swift transfer for Ligue 1 star following Kevin De Bruyne Cup heroics

Manchester City are working to finalise a deal for Rennes forward Jeremy Doku as fast as possible as they look to replace Riyad Mahrez in attack, as per reports in France.

Doku has been identified as a likely option to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s attacking outlets after Mahrez joined Saudi-Arabian club Al-Ahli for £30 million in July.

City have already signed Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol to boost their squad after a historic, treble-winning campaign that saw them pick up their maiden Champions League title courtesy of a 1-0 final win over Inter in May.

It was reported on Friday evening that Doku’s representatives have reached an agreement on personal terms with Manchester City, who are also interested in Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

Negotiations are believed to be advanced on the player side, with Manchester City rating Doku highly since watching the 21-year-old feature in the KDB cup in 2017, as per The Secret Scout.

As per Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport, the European champions hope to seal a deal for Doku soon, with just over two years left on the Belgium international’s current contract at Rennes.

Manchester City are also negotiating with West Ham over a deal for midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who is viewed as the ideal replacement for now-former skipper Ilkay Gundogan, who joined Barcelona earlier this summer.

Negotiations will continue between the clubs for the 25-year-old Brazilian but despite David Moyes stating that the Hammers have received an offer from Manchester City, City Xtra understand that the Premier League champions are yet to submit an official bid for Paqueta.

City made a bright start to their title defence on the opening day of the Premier League campaign on Friday, with a brace from Erling Haaland and a strike from Rodri helping the Blues to a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Burnley at Turf Moor.