Lens have slapped an asking price of around €30m (£26m) on Man City transfer target Samson Baidoo, according to reports in the Italian media.
TuttoJuve.com claim that Pep Guardiola‘s side are one of three clubs that are interested in signing the Austrian international.
Liverpool, along with Cityzens, have been tracking the Baidoo for some time, but Juventus are also said to be keen on the player.
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Ironically, two of the alternatives that the Serie A giants are considering are City players, Nathan Ake and John Stones.
However, Tutto Juve say that Baidoo, who they describe as a “powerhouse”, would be a more economical solution due to his lower wage demands.
What do Man City fans need to know about the defender?
Baidii was born in Graz before he was taken into the youth system of Red Bull Salzburg. He initially played for their affiliate club, FC Liefering, in Austria’s second division, before officially moving to Salzburg in 2022.
Last summer, Lens paid €8m to secure the centre-half’s signature, and he has been part of a defence this season that has conceded only 33 goals in 32 matches. His team are 2nd, just behind Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue One table.
Do City need Baidoo?
Guardiola is not exactly short of options in the middle of defence. Marc Guehi arrived from Crystal Palace in January, meaning that the City boss currently has six senior centre-halves at his disposal.
However, Stones has already announced that he will be leaving the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June. Ake is also expected to move on.
For that reason, there could be space in the squad for Baidoo, although he may have to be content with being a rotation option rather than being a regular starter.
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