Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a huge blow on Wednesday as they were held to a 1-1 by Brighton and Hove Albion.
The hosts had taken the lead at The Etihad courtesy of Erling Haaland’s first-half penalty, but Kaoru Mitoma’s strike on the hour mark drew the Seagulls level.
City have now drawn each of their past three matches in the Premier League, and league leaders Arsenal could extend their advantage at the top of the table to eight points with victory over reigning champions Liverpool.
Citizens boss Pep Guardiola will be desperate to see his side improve in the coming weeks, but in the meantime it appears that the Manchester giants are eyeing a move for a Premeir League defender.
According to CaughtOffside, City are in pole position to sign Brentford right-back Michael Kayode during this summer’s transfer window.
Kayode has emerged as a target for Manchester City (Photo: News Images Ltd/Alamy)
Kayode, 21, is enjoying a fine season for the Bees under new manager Keith Andrews, having made 25 appearances across all competitions.
The full-back joined Brentford on loan from Serie A side Fiorentina in January, before making his move to The Gtech Community Stadium permanent last summer.
In total the defender has now featured 37 times for the west London outfit across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the most promising young defenders in the English top flight.
The Italian – who has represented his country eight times at Under-21 level – has become renowned for his long throws, which have become a useful threat for Andrews’ side this term.
Kayode is under contract with Brentford until the end of the 2029/30 campaign, but it is claimed that City have identified the player as a possible target as they look to sign a natural right-back to replace midfielder Matheus Nunes, who has been used as a makeshift full-back.
Itallian sides Juventus and Inter Milan are also said to be monitoring the Italian, while German champions Bayern Munich are also believed to have shown interest.