Manchester City have struggled to find an agreement with Napoli for Kalidou Koulibaly, while Atlético Madrid have rejected their offer for José Giménez.
Sevilla’s Jules Koundé has been identified as another centre-back target, and the Citizens even tabled a bid for the 21-year-old, which was turned down by the Europa League winners.
According to Marca, Pep Guardiola’s side are set to launch a new attempt to sign the Frenchman.
City director of football Txiki Begiristain is in ‘love’ with the defender, and Guardiola, who has seen Koundé’s evaluation at the La Liga side, seems clear that his side should not miss out on this ‘market opportunity’.
That’s because the Etihad club have funds at their disposal and face no competition in trying to sign the former Bordeaux man. All they need to do is ‘convince Sevilla’.
It’s been reported earlier that Koundé has a €90m release clause, but Marca states it’s set at €80m. Still, City cannot reach this figure.
Regardless, the report explains the English side are in a position to make an offer which can make the legs of those at Sevilla ‘tremble’.
After having made an initial offer of €50m plus €5m in bonuses, Marca add City can raise a new proposal sensibly, which they believe would be sufficient to convince the Spanish club.
‘Intense days are expected in the offices of Sánchez-Pizjuán’, and Monchi holds all the cards. If he decides to allow Koundé to leave, then it has to be done in the coming days so that Sevilla have enough time to bring in his replacement.
Marca’s headline reads ‘Koundé awaits the call from City’ and Sevilla are expecting Guardiola’s side to table an improved offer for signing the centre-back.
