Manchester City have reportedly decided on what it would take for them to sell Rico Lewis as Nottingham Forest set their sights on the young defender.
Rico Lewis has become a key squad player after coming through the Manchester City academy.
Pep Guardiola trusts the 20-year-old enough to play him at right-back as well as in various midfield roles.
Lewis’ displays have caught the eye of Nottingham Forest, who are now trying to take him from Man City to the City Ground.
And a new report has emerged outlining Man City’s stance towards the player, who has been in contract talks with the club.
Manchester City defender Rico Lewis with inset of Pep Guardiola
Manchester City defender Rico Lewis with inset of Pep Guardiola Credit: Marc Atkins/David Ramos/Getty Images
Manchester City would be willing to sell Rico Lewis for upwards of £30m along with clauses
Forest have agreed a move for Man City’s James McAtee but they now want to make it a double swoop by also landing Lewis, according to the Daily Mail.
More Man City News
And the report claims the Citizens are ‘open to allowing Lewis to leave if the right offer came in’, with a price tag in excess of £30million mooted.
City had been looking to tie Lewis down to a new long-term contract as a priority, but terms are yet to be finalised, according to the report.
In addition, City are said to be interested in adding a sell-on and buyback clause in any deal for Lewis, as they have reportedly done for McAtee.
Rico Lewis sale risks splitting Manchester City fanbase
City have sold a fair few academy stars over the years, with McAtee set to follow imminently.
Pep Guardiola has spoken highly of Lewis in the past, but it’s not surprising to see the club considering a potential sale.
Some City fans will bemoan the prospect of selling yet another academy star, but others may be more open to selling Lewis.
Should City sell the “absolutely fantastic” talent, it would enable the club to bring in an upgrade at right-back.
In addition, the chances of him breaking into City’s midfield are low, considering all the competition.
And if Lewis doesn’t sign a new contract, then cashing in on him when his stock is at its highest is not a bad thing.