Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana may already be shortlisting his transfer targets months ahead of the winter transfer window.
Pep Guardiola is motivated about the new season and despite City’s successive defeats, a serial winner like the Catalan tactician could perhaps still believe his side could win major silverware.
Regardless of how Manchester City fare by the time the winter transfer window opens, a new signing or two could boost their chances of getting over the line across the board.
Tino Livramento was on Manchester City’s radar but the fact that the Sky Blues were unable to secure his services shows they failed to address all their problem positions in the summer.
Rodrygo was heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium as well before he ended up staying at Real Madrid.
Man City leading the race to sign Rodrygo in January
GRV Media’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey confirmed that Manchester City were eyeing Rodrygo, who was keen to work with Pep Guardiola as well as Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot as his future was uncertain.
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However, Rodrygo’s move to Manchester City relied on Savinho’s exit but his countryman’s reported transfer to Tottenham Hotspur fell through.
Rodrygo in action against Kwasi Sibo during Real Oviedo v Real Madrid
Photo by Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez/Soccrates/Getty Images
A fresh update has emerged about the 24-year-old’s future at Real Madrid.
Caught Offside have exclusively revealed that Manchester City are leading the race to sign Rodrygo in January,
It is believed that Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr urged Rodrygo to stay at Real Madrid but if he continues not to play regular football, it is “inevitable” that he will leave in January — starting just once in three games this season.
RODRYGO’S PLAYING TIME THIS SEASON
STARTS 1/3
MINUTES PLAYED 81/270
Los Blancos are believed to value the former Santos winger at €80 million (£69.2 million), which is considered a realistic valuation for Manchester City.
Rodrygo has already taken a step towards leaving that should encourage Man City
Furthermore, we confirmed that Manchester City do not intend to sell Savinho to Tottenham in January, the 21-year-old’s future at the Etihad Stadium is far from set in stone.
Tottenham remain interested in signing Savinho currently.
Rodrygo was keen to find a new club by informing his agents to do so in the summer, which should encourage Manchester City.
However, it was claimed at the time that suitors always left with the impression that the two-time Champions League winner was never truly looking to leave Real Madrid.