Manchester City plot Leicester City transfer ahead of January transfer window

The January transfer window could be one of significance for one of Manchester City’s incoming bright prospects, with a new report detailing emerging plans from the Etihad.

While it had been initially anticipated that Manchester City would only be likely to do business concerning outgoings from the club, either on temporary or permanent deals, it appears as though the Treble winners could tick both boxes in the coming months.

That comes after a fresh update surrounding Etihad officials’ admiration and pursuit of the highly-rated Boca Juniors and Argentina youth international full-back Valentin Barco – who has been on the radar of the European champions for a number of months.

It had been initially thought that Manchester City could finalise a deal for the player towards the end of the recent summer transfer window, however an intent from the defender to complete a Copa Libertadores campaign with the Argentine giants faulted negotiations.

However, Manchester City have not given up their interest, and look likely to reap the rewards in the coming weeks, whilst those within the club have also formulated a plan for Valentin Barco’s immediate steps upon his arrival in the English game.

According to the latest information from journalist Alan Nixon, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola plans to sign the exciting Argentine left-back prospect and send him on loan to former Etihad assistant coach Enzo Maresca at Leicester City.

It is detailed that the reigning Premier League champions are now closing in on a deal for the Boca Juniors defender and are ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion in the pursuit, but feel he needs experience upon his arrival in England and European football.

The south coast club, who had initially hoped to win the chase for the highly-rated South American talent after making the first serious bid, now fear they only have a 25 per cent chance, according to the report.

The latest update also provides insight into the finances at stake, with Nixon reporting that Valentin Barco has a fixed transfer fee of around £10 million, but additional costs are expected to take the transfer worth up to £13 million.

Manchester City seem relatively settled in the left-back role this season, despite not having a single traditional or natural name in the position at their disposal, with Pep Guardiola instead turning to players who are versatile to cover the role.

Josko Gvardiol is Manchester City’s current first-choice in the position after signing from RB Leipzig in the summer transfer window, while Nathan Ake is evenly rotated with the Croatia international throughout matchdays.

Sergio Gomez is another option for Pep Guardiola to explore when available, however the Spaniard has fallen out of favour after some less than convincing performances when called upon in the left-back position.