Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a move for highly-rated Lyon centre-back Abdoulaye Ndiaye, but not as an alternative to Josko Gvardiol.
City’s pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Gvardiol has slowed somewhat over the past week, as the two clubs negotiate over a fee.
City remain confident that the deal will be done, although Leipzig appear determined to hold out for their £85m asking price.
As well as Gvardiol, City are interested in signing another 21-year-old defender.
City keeping tabs on Ndiaye
According to the Daily Mail, City are interested in Lyon youngster Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
As reported in the Transfer Confidential newsletter, City – along with clubs across Europe – have been impressed with the youngster’s performances on loan at French second division side Bastia.
Ndiaye, who was born in Senegal and joined Lyon’s youth setup in 2020, has not made a senior appearance for the Ligue 1 giants.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Bastia and made 28 appearances as the Corsican side finished fourth in Ligue 2.
Ndiaye’s obvious talent, plus the fact that Lyon must sell players to address their precarious financial situation, mean he is an attractive proposition.
MCN view: City planning for the future
City are keen to plan for the future and believe Ndiaye holds great promise, so if they can bring him in on a price-cut deal, then a move makes sense.
However, as one of the players Pep Guardiola requested at the start of the summer, completing the Gvardiol deal remains the priority.
With Kyle Walker and Riyad Mahrez looking likely to complete moves to Bayern Munich and Al-Ahli respectively, the Premier League champions might have to focus on recruiting in positions other than central defence.
Bayern’s Benjamin Pavard could arrive at City in place of Walker, but the details of any potential deal remain to be seen.
