Man City to lock horns with Chelsea as Spanish ace’s January exit comes to the fore
Manchester City have reportedly been monitoring a centre-back linked with Chelsea, thus setting up a potentially fierce battle for his signature come January.
Manchester City are claimed to hold interest in Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres. The club are said to have been monitoring him for some time.
Tottenham Hotspur reportedly made an offer for the Spaniard in the summer. His desire to stay at Villarreal was cited as a reason the club rejected Spurs’ offer.
Though there was ‘also something else’ in the way of a deal, report Spanish outlet Marca.
The something in question, was interest from City. Sporting director Txiki Begiristain has been in contact with Villarreal representatives in order to monitor Torres’ progress.
City are said to be ‘well positioned’ in the race for Torres, and the information Begiristain has received seems to place the English champions in the box seat for his signature.
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However, Chelsea are reported to be interested in the 24-year-old, and a battle to land the defender could ensue.
With Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger all out of contract in the summer, Chelsea are keen to bolster their defence. While it is entirely possible all three pen fresh terms, it would be remiss of the Blues not to consider alternative options.
Torres is eager to play at the highest level of European football in the Champions League. Chelsea and Manchester City are ever-present in that competition. As such, it may come down to who makes the best offer.
Though, as yet, it is unclear whether either side will offer, or at least who will make the first move.
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Of course, City signed England star, Jack Grealish, from Aston Villa over the summer. The 26-year-old has thrived at his new club, scoring and assisting twice each in nine appearances.
City have kept a keen eye on Villa, for more promising talent. The English champions are said to be keen on midfielder Jacob Ramsey.
A regular feature in Villa sides this season, Ramsey is gaining major recognition.
However, City would have to make a very good offer for Ramsey, who has a long-term contract with the Villans.
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