Club have made approach to sign Manchester City defender – Pep wants him in the squad

Manchester City fullback Yan Couto has drawn the interest from Atlético Mineiro, according to reports from Brazil.

Radio Itatiaia reports that as the Galo look for a new right-back, they have now made an approach for the 20-year-old.

Yan Couto is actually loaned by Manchester City to Girona, where he has ten appearances this season and fights for a starting place in the team.

And it turns out that his spell in Spain isn’t the only reason why Atlético are having difficulty signing him.

According to Itatiaia, the approach didn’t turn into negotiations because Pep Guardiola’s side want him in back in their squad.

It’s just not made clear whether Manchester City want Couto back to the club now or in the summer.

Since the Brazilian season starts in January, Atletico would obviously like to have him for at least a year, so the Cityzens may have blocked the deal looking forward to having the player in England in June.

Either way, it seems the Premier League side have plans to use him in the coming months.

Yan Couto’s contract with Manchester City runs until 2025.