Manchester City braced for goalkeeper and defender double-exit this summer

Officials at the Etihad Stadium are bracing themselves for the double-exit of two of Pep Guardiola’s options in his Manchester City rearguard, according to reports.

Manchester City are in the midst of a hugely competitive season once again, but their on-field action is not stopping the transfer rumour mill from turning in the background, and not with a view towards the ongoing winter market either.

Whilst City officials continue to seek a resolution for Kalvin Phillips ahead of the second-half of the campaign, discussions around the futures of two more first-team stars are beginning to intensify amid growing interest from European suitors.

That concerns Stefan Ortega and Sergio Gomez, both of whom have played bit-part roles in Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad this season, appearing in cup competitions and from the substitutes bench in fixtures of lesser importance.

As such, it will come as no surprise to understand that some clubs within Europe are hoping to take advantage of their respective situations by securing either player in the coming summer transfer market.

That is according to the information of The Mirror’s Ryan Taylor, who reports that Manchester City’s goalkeeping back-up option Stefan Ortega Moreno has been attracting interest and could depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the ongoing season.

The same reportedly applies to versatile Spanish left-back Sergio Gomez who, despite being tipped for a January exit due to a lack of game time, now looks set to remain at Manchester City until at least the summer when his future is due to be reassessed by club officials.

Ortega was most recently called upon by his manager in the Premier League clash against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, after first choice Ederson was forced into an early withdrawal from the clash through injury.

The Brazil international has since made a full recovery from the impact problem, and is likely to start in City’s next Premier League match against Burnley at the end of the month, with Ortega starting in the FA Cup fourth round tie against Tottenham this week.

As for Sergio Gomez, his opportunities have largely been restricted by the excellence of both Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol in the left-back role, while the midfield and wide-attacking appearances are congested with arguably superior talents.