Manchester City's interest in a "magnificent" young attacking player is real, as they look to add a special talent to their ranks in the January transfer window.
Guardiola wary of Aston Villa threat to Man City
City are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon, making the trip to Aston Villa, in what has the potential to be a tricky assignment.
Pep Guardiola is certainly aware of that, telling reporters in his pre-match press conference that improvements are required from recent meetings with Villa.
“They were much, much better than us in the last two fixtures we played at Villa Park. Hopefully it will be different on Sunday. The admiration I have for Unai is so high. He is incredibly consistent, well prepared and so smart, really good. Aston Villa I know they aren’t in the Champions League for a one point. I think in the last nine games they won eight and then just lost the last one at Old Trafford.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola applauds fans after the match
"So for me it is a team that is Champions League.“They created a lot of problems for the Champions League winners, PSG so they are well organised, with a lot of quality and they have everything.“It’s one of the toughest, toughest, toughest away games we have in the season."
Guardiola will also be eyeing new signings, as he looks to ensure his squad never grows stale, and a huge talent has now been linked with a move to the Etihad.
Man City make enquiries for "magnificent" Bundesliga youngster
According to Bundesliga insider Tobias Altschäffl [via Sport Witness], Manchester City's interest in FC Koln attacker Said El Mana is "certified".
City have put out feelers for the German, who has been the subject of a £17m bid from Brighton in the past, while Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown interest.
El Mana could be such an eye-catching long-term signing by the Premier League giants, with the left winger scoring three goals in his first eight appearances for Koln, also assisting once.
The teenage ace has been hailed as a "magnificent" prospect by scout Jacek Kulig, and his versatility also allows him to shine on the right flank and in a central attacking midfield role.
El Mana wouldn't be joining City as an immediate starter, given his lack of experience, but he could provide healthy competition for Jeremy Doku, potentially coming in as a direct replacement for Jack Grealish next summer.