Manchester City host Barcelona at the Etihad tomorrow night in the Champions League, but reports in Spain suggest both the clubs could also be set for an interesting battle off the pitch.
Manchester City are keen on signing Palmeiras defender Yerry Mina, reports Mundo Deportivo.
It’s been reported Barcelona have the preferential option to sign the 22-year-old for €9m in 2017, €10m in 2018, and €12m in 2019.
However, Palmeiras could demand as much as €30m should any other club show interest in the Colombian defender. Mundo Deportivo say Barcelona could sign Mina next summer, after interest from other clubs.
Manchester City have already signed Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras in a big money move, and it remains to be seen if they can manage to sign Mina as well in the near future.
Mundo Deportivo point out Manchester City’s Gabriel deal, probably because they believe it may give Pep Guardiola’s men an advantage.
Entertainingly, the Catalan newspaper also claims Barcelona decided to sign Paco Alcacer from Valencia, instead of Gabriel, because of Spanish experience advantage. However, Gabriel’s move was announced on August 3rd, whereas Alcacer was a deal that went through right at the end of the window, without it looking likely until well after the Gabriel switch.
