Manchester City are considering a move to sign one of Newcastle United’s transfer targets, but it is a deal that could actually benefit the Magpies.
Competing with Man City for transfers is hard, as they are one of the best teams in the world and have the best manager in the world. Every player would want to work with Pep Guardiola, who has been linked with the England job alongside Eddie Howe.
Man City are plotting what to do during this summer’s transfer window, and it could largely depend on who leaves the Etihad Stadium.
It was recently reported that Man City will only look to sign a midfielder if someone leaves, and there have been fears that a midfield departure could result in an approach for Bruno Guimaraes.
The Premier League champions are big fans of Bruno, and it has been claimed that Newcastle are still worried about Man City trying to sign him despite his release clause expiring.
Manchester City consider signing Eberechi Eze
However, a new report suggests that Man City may have an alternative plan lined up, as they face up to the reality of potentially losing Kevin De Bruyne this summer.
He is in the final year of his Man City contract, and is a target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad – the PIF club who are set to sign former Newcastle target Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa.
According to the Guardian, Man City are preparing to potentially lose De Bruyne and view Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze as a contender to replace him.
The England international has a release clause worth £60million, and the Guardian claim that he is highly rated by Guardiola.
The 26-year-old is actually a player who has been linked with the Magpies, with Newcastle’s recruitment team talking about possibly signing Eze earlier this summer. However, that was before the arrival of Paul Mitchell.
Man City signing Eze could help keep Bruno Guimaraes at Newcastle United
While Eze is an exceptional player who would be a brilliant addition to Eddie Howe’s squad, him signing for Manchester City might be the best possible outcome for Newcastle.
It would decrease the chances of them making a move for Bruno, who Toon officials are desperate to keep at St James’ Park.
Bruno’s £100million release clause has now expired, but that does not mean that teams can no longer sign him – it just means that Newcastle have wrestled back control and can accept and reject offers as they see fit.
That control will hopefully lead to Bruno remaining on Tyneside, but there will always be a fear that his head could be turned if a major club like Man City came in. That would be difficult for Bruno to turn down, which could put Newcastle in a very difficult position.
However, it is a position that Newcastle could avoid if Man City move to sign Eze instead.
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