Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly keen on snapping up Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand in a £30m deal this summer.
The Spanish tactician’s efforts to address the problems in defence have failed so far, with Dani Alves infuriating his former Barcelona boss by snubbing him at the last minute to join Paris Saint-Germain instead.
According to The Sun, that will lead to Tottenham taking advantage of City’s desperation by raising their demands from £50m for Kyle Walker, and so it remains to be seen whether or not the England international completes his move to the Etihad this summer.
As for the left side, Guardiola will need a new face there as well given Gael Clichy was released this month along with the likes of Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna and Jesus Navas.
The report adds that Bertrand has now become a top target for City, although it will take £30m to prise him away from Southampton. It’s noted that the Saints don’t have any interest in selling the 27-year-old, but such a hefty offer would surely change their mind and test their resolve.
It’s been a frustrating summer for Guardiola, aside from being able to sign Bernardo Silva and Ederson, as he ultimately needs to address his full-back headache as quickly as possible now with pre-season right around the corner.
Missing out on Alves would undoubtedly have been a major setback for him, one that would have left him personally disappointed. However, he has to move on along with the club, but it remains to be seen whether or not Spurs will budge from their valuation of Walker, with City only willing to pay £40m.
The inclusion of Tottenham target Kelechi Iheanacho could prove crucial to a breakthrough, as per the report, while it remains to be seen if Bertrand can be prised away from Southampton.