Manchester City still want one more full-back in their squad,despite wrapping up deals for Benjamin Mendy, Kyle Walker and Danilo, and Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand is the one they want to complete their ranks.
Despite spending £130million on new full-backs this summer, Pep Guardiola has long made it clear to his bosses he wanted four new ones.
And City have kept to their wide, landing top targets Walker and Mendy, whilst also landing Danilo after missing out on Dani Alves to Paris Saint Germain.
Now I understand that City – who have already held talks with the Saints – and will now return to push for a deal.
I have been told City would ideally not want to pay in excess of £30million but Southampton would want nearer £40million.
City do have other options on their list, but Bertrand has long been recognised as the one they wanted on the left together with Mendy.
Bertrand’s former club Chelsea are also understood to be monitoring the situation as they look for extra options at left-back too – after their move for Juventus’ Alex Sandro stalled.
Bookmakers see the Bertrand market as a tight one, with Southampton narrowly seen as favourites to keep him with SkyBet listing them at 6/5 just ahead of City at 11/8 with Chelsea rated at 3/1.