Manchester City are now favourites to secure the signature of Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, according to reports.
Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claimed last week that Pep Guardiola’s side had “entered the race” for the Swedish international and Caught Offside now state that they have “taken the lead”, having started “negotiations” with Frankfurt as well as making “first contact” with the player.
Larsson is said to be keen on making the move to the Etihad at the end of the season and there is confidence that a deal can be struck ahead of the summer transfer window.
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The 20-year-old would add more youth, energy and technical ability to Guardiola’s options in midfield; all of which the club have been lacking this season.
City are looking to head off interest from Premier League rivals
The reigning Premier League champions are not the first English club to have been linked with signing Larsson in recent months. The likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United are all believed to be monitoring the player’s situation.
Real Madrid have also kept a close eye on the midfielder, but most of the interest does appear to be emanating from the Premier League.
Larsson has a very high price tag
Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krosche is reportedly sticking firm on his €60m (£50m) valuation of the player but it should be noted that City have good relations with the German club.
They negotiated a deal to sign Omar Marmoush from them only a few months ago and that should hold the Cityzens in good stead when holding talks about Larsson’s transfer. It is definitely a story that fans should keep abreast of over the coming weeks and months.
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