Manchester City are reportedly hoping to snatch Florian Wirtz from under the noses of Liverpool as Pep Guardiola searches for a long-term replacement for Kevin de Bruyne.
The Belgian struggled to influence the game during City’s 2-0 defeat to league leaders Liverpool, who moved 11 points clear following their victory at the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne, 34, has been linked with a move to the United States this summer, with several MLS clubs understood to be keen on signing the veteran playmaker.
And Guardiola may have the ideal successor lined up, as reports claim the seven-time Premier League champions are prepared to move for Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz.
Wirtz, 21, has scored 15 goals and registered 11 assists for the Bundesliga giants this season in all competitions, highlighting his status as one of Europe’s most lethal creative players.
The German star has long been linked with a move away from the BayArena, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid all admirers of the youngster since he broke into the team at the age of 17.
But City appear to have stolen a march in the race to capture his signature this summer as Guardiola continues to plan his rebuild in Manchester.
The Daily Mail report that James McAtee could be used in a swap deal with Leverkusen, with the City academy graduate a summer target for Xabi Alonso.
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