‘Priority’ – Club ‘express interest’ in signing Man City man, close ties with agent ‘can help’ in summer deal

Corinthians have identified Manchester City’s Yan Couto as a ‘priority’ target in the next window.

That’s according to Globo Esporte, who state the Brazilian club ‘express interest’ in signing the right-back.

The Manchester City player has been on loan at Girona since last summer and will have to return to the Etihad after this season. He has two more years left on his deal with the Citizens.

Earlier report stated there’s a possibility for Couto to be included in Pep Guardiola’s plans next season, if both Kyle Walker and João Cancelo were to move elsewhere in the next window. If not, the 20-year-old could be on the road again.

Corinthians have now shown interest in the fullback and are looking to take him on a loan deal with an option to buy. They are facing ‘two obstacles’ to seal the deal.

Manchester City haven’t yet defined their plan for the 2023/24 season, which will largely depend on Pep Guardiola. Their owners, the City Football Group, also own Corinthians’ rivals Bahia.

Therefore, the English champions have no intention to let Couto join the South American club.

The report says what ‘can help’ Corinthians in the potential deal is their ‘good relationship’ with Couto’s agent, Marcelo Robalinho. The two parties have been having frequent conversations.

It’ll be interesting to see how this case develops.