Manchester City's chase for defensive midfielder Ante Palaversa has intensified, with the Premier League champions' negotiations with Hadjuk Split believed to be at an advanced stage.
Palaversa has been identified as a potential long-term replacement for Fernandinho in the holding midfield role, with the Citizens believed to be considering selling youngster Rabbi Matondo to Schalke in a €10m deal.
For those asking: I believe Ante Palaversa is really special, but he has only started showing it. Don't think he will be be ready to play in the Prem for at least another season and a half. Style comparison: maybe a bit more of a Toni Kroos than a Fernandinho; not a Modrić.
— Aleksandar Holiga (@AlexHoliga) January 16, 2019
Pep Guardiola has a host of world class players at his disposal at City, but is becoming acutely aware of the need to replace veteran midfielder Fernandinho. With Barcelona snapping up their top target Frenkie de Jong, the Citizens have had to look elsewhere in their pursuit of a tenacious central midfielder.
While Guardiola is clearly keen to sign some talented youngsters, he also has the dilemma of trying to fit his existing teenage talents into his first team. Wales international Matondo, 18, is yet to make a senior appearance for the club, and could be set for a move to the Bundesliga after Schalke reportedly bid €10m to secure his services.
With Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho and Hoffenheim loanee Reiss Nelson (of Arsenal) thriving in the German top tier, Matondo could be the latest young British talent to move abroad for more first team football. R
Source : 90min