Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed Manchester City are looking at Manuel Locatelli ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to the Italian on his Here We Go podcast, the Premier League leaders are eyeing the 23-year-old, who is valued in the region of £34.5 million – £39 million.
The star has been in fine fettle for Sassuolo this season, making 22 appearances for the Serie A outfit.
Locatelli, who has accrued six caps for the Italian national team, is very much a rising star now, having not quite been able to cut it with previous club AC Milan.
WhoScored have him as the second-highest rated player in the team so far this season, behind only Domenico Berardi.
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It is little surprise to learn that City are potentially interested in Locatelli, with Fernandinho’s future still up in the air.
The Brazilian will be making a decision at the end of the season whether to play another season for the Citizens.
His form this term would suggest he has another campaign in him, if his minutes are managed as carefully as they are this term.
Locatelli potentially a decent Fernandinho replacement
Even if Fernandinho, 35, does sign a one-year extension, the Brazilian will need replacing long-term and City probably wouldn’t have any qualms about doing that while he’s still at the club.
Locatelli is a very promising defensive midfielder, who can pass accurately and break up play.
He’s also not opposed to making sacrifices for the team, picking up seven yellow cards so far in 2020/21 – something Fernandinho has also become quite well known for down the years.
Not only that, but Locatelli has worn the captain’s armband on occasion this season, suggesting there is personality and some leadership qualities there.