Manchester City now want to sign Alan Varela from Porto as a replacement for Kalvin Phillips – who is joining West Ham on loan.
That is according to Bolavip.
So, what is the situation involving Alan Varela and Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
Manchester City want Alan Varela
Well – according to Bolavip – Manchester City have already approached Porto to ask about the Argentine.
It is said that Liverpool are also keen on a deal for Varela as Jürgen Klopp aims to improve his midfield options at Anfield.
Bolavip explain how Porto have no desire to lose a key player during the middle of the season, so the Portuguese giants will refer any interested parties to the South American’s €70m (£60m) release clause.
Varela is contracted to Porto until June 2028 – so there is no immediate need to sell him this month whatsoever.
The 22-year-old is a vital cog under Sérgio Conceição.
Varela has made 22 appearances across all competitions so far this season, scoring one goal while also providing two assists from a central midfield role.
Liverpool could be more enticing for Alan Varela
In our view, there is a danger of Manchester City losing out to Liverpool here.
Klopp is still on the lookout for an outstanding defensive midfielder after allowing Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to depart in 2023 – Thiago’s injury issues have also kept the Spaniard sidelined for almost ten months.
Therefore, a regular starting role would be there for Varela, whereas the Argentine would most likely have to settle for a place as Rodri’s backup if he joined Manchester City – the role Phillips played before deciding to leave on loan for West Ham.
Nevertheless – given Manchester City’s status as treble winners – nobody can rule out Varela choosing to link up with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as anything could happen this month.
