Could James Trafford switch from Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to Liam Rosenior's Chelsea in the January transfer window? | National World / Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Could James Trafford switch from Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to Liam Rosenior's Chelsea in the January transfer window? | National World / Getty Images | National World / Getty Images
Man City are set to miss out on signing a Championship left-back as Chelsea are ‘closing in’ on a deal.
However, fresh reports are now saying that they are set to miss out on a third January signing, as Chelsea are close to securing the signature of a Championship left-back.
Man City miss out on Sheffield Wednesday wonderkid
According to the Sheffield Star, Manchester City have been scouting Sheffield Wednesday left-back Yisa Alao, who has built a reputation as a real gem in South Yorkshire. He has attracted the attention of numerous Premier League clubs, including Everton, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
It seems, though, that the latter are set to sign the 17-year-old, as the report says they are ‘closing in’ on a deal for Alao. The young left-back has been a bright spark in a dark season for Wednesday, making five appearances for the first team this season.
Chelsea has reportedly offered Wednesday a six-figure deal, with some hefty add-ons included, and that is why Man City have lost out on the 17-year-old, which is a major blow for the Cityzens, as he has sky-high potential in English football.
Alao has a short-term injury, and so can’t feature for Wednesday this week, but if he joined Chelsea this window, he will likely head straight into the U18s, to try and begin his development at Stamford Bridge.
Man City has to rely on youngsters amid defensive injuries
It is quite apt that City missed out on a 17-year-old left-back, because Guardiola has been forced to start academy youngsters in recent weeks due to the number of injuries City have seen in defence.
Josko Gvardiol was ruled out for almost the rest of the season, and both Ruben Dias and John Stones are set to miss time too. It means that Man City had to recall young defender Max Alleyne from Watford, and Guardiola has been forced to start the 20-year-old in the last five games, including a Carabao Cup semi-final and a Manchester derby.
However, it has proven costly, as Alleyne has struggled in recent games, especially during the Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt. Marc Guehi can’t come into the side any faster as far as Guardiola is concerned, as he needs experience and solidity in defence.
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