Manchester City have opened direct talks with the representatives of Chelsea winger Pedro Neto over a potential summer move to the Etihad Stadium, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.
Last season’s Premier League runners-up have placed the 26-year-old Portuguese international high on their shortlist as part of contingency planning for Savinho.
With Tottenham Hotspur pushing aggressively to sign the Brazilian winger, City decision-makers are actively exploring alternatives.
Neto’s direct running, explosive pace, and Premier League pedigree make him an appealing target for decision-makers at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the situation is complicated by an interconnected transfer domino involving Tottenham. While Spurs are pushing to finalise a deal for Savinho, they also have Neto on their shortlist as a primary back-up option should talks with Manchester City stall.
As a result, both Premier League heavyweights are monitoring the Portuguese forward’s availability closely.
Having invested heavily to sign Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a long-term contract, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy hold strong leverage.
While Chelsea are open to streamlining their forward options to fund summer targets, they will not sanction a departure unless their valuation is met.
Talks between Man City and Neto’s representatives remain exploratory at this stage as all parties wait for the Savinho situation to unfold.
If Tottenham complete a deal for the Brazilian, City are expected to swiftly formalise their pursuit of Neto and open official negotiations with Chelsea for Neto, who racked up 10 goals and as many assists in 52 games across all competitions last season.