Viana ‘Working On An Exit Plan’ For Man City Player Who Could Make Controversial Move Across Manchester
Man City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri appears destined to leave the Etihad during the January transfer window, according to reports.
The Algerian international was offered to rivals Manchester United on Deadline Day last month, and TEAMtalk claim that ‘intermediaries’ have now held fresh ‘discussions’ with the Red Devils.
Ait-Nouri is said to be keen on leaving, having failed to establish himself as a regular starter since his arrival from Wolves last year, and it appears City are happy to facilitate his departure.
TEAMtalk report that Director of Football Hugo Viana is “working on an exit plan”, with the aim of getting a deal in place before January.
Ait-Nouri could seal rare move between Manchester clubs
While both Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves joined City on free transfers, those deals happened after their contracts at United had expired.
The last direct transfer happened all the way back in 1999 when Terry Cooke arrived from United. That was 26 years ago, so Ait-Nouri’s potential switch to Old Trafford would be historic.
It is believed that the left-back would be open to making the move across Manchester, with United desperately needing cover for Luke Shaw, who is currently injured.
Why haven’t things worked out for Ait-Nouri at Man City?
The defender was brought in to provide competition for Josko Gvardiol, but the emergence of Nico O’Reilly has effectively limited him to a bit-part role.
Both Pep Guardiola and his successor Enzo Maresca have favoured Gvardiol and O’Reilly ahead of Ait-Nouri, who has been limited to substitute appearances and outings in the domestic cups.
His only start so far this season came in the last round of the Carabao Cup against Norwich City last month. He has played 0 minutes in the Premier League.