Man City will battle Man United for Argentine superstar who lured Julian Alvarez away from the Etihad

Add as preferred source on Google

TBR Football understands that Manchester City and Manchester United are keeping close tabs on the situation of Argentine international Nahuel Molina.

Molina, Argentina’s first choice right-back and considered by many to be South America’s finest, has fallen out of favour with Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

The 27-year-old turned down summer moves away from the Spanish capital, including an offer from Nottingham Forest, as he looked to battle for his place.

However, this season has seen Marcos Llorente emerge ahead of him and Molina has started just one game.

Molina’s troubles have now seen his people reach out and we can reveal that Manchester City have an interest.

Exclusive: Nahuel Molina could be available in January

City failed with an attempt to land Newcastle star Tino Livramento, and they still have some issues at right-back.

This season, they are using Matheus Nunes and Abdukodir Khusanov, both of whom are not natural full-backs, while they also have Rico Lewis.

Sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that Pep Guardiola wants another option and we can confirm that Molina is a name emerging on Hugo Viana’s radar.

It is believed Atletico would consider a deal in January.

City are looking at Spain and have also been continuing to keep checks on Espanyol’s Omar El Hilali, but Molina – who has played over 50 games for Argentina – could be an easier option to do mid-season.

We can also confirm that Manchester United sources suggest that they could be in the market for a new wing-back and Molina is on their radar too.

Nahuel Molina convinced Julian Alvarez to leave Man City

According to Spanish journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Molina had driven Julian Alvarez “crazy” as he looked to convince him to leave Manchester City and join Atletico.

The defender is said to have called his compatriot every day, and he eventually got his wish after Alvarez completed an £82million switch from City.

While they have been unable to strike up a partnership with Molina out of favour, Atletico have got off to a steady start this season, spurred on by their derby thumping of Real Madrid.

Molina has made 141 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and chalking up 13 assists.