Manchester City round-up: Barcelona’s Jordi Alba considers switch; Guardiola’s centre-back plans; Kingsley Coman reveals interest

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According to reports in Spain today, Manchester City have held talks with Barcelona over bringing in Spanish left-back Jordi Alba as he “does not want Juan Carlos Unzue” to take over at the Camp Nou.

Current Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is stepping down from his role once the season comes to a close, and Don Balon have alleged that Alba does not want to play under assistant boss Unzue.

It is widely believed that Unzue will be given the role on a permanent basis for the next campaign and this is something that would reportedly tempt the 28-year-old into a move away from Spain.

And reports are claiming that the Citizens have already held talks with the Spain international ahead of a summer switch – a move that fits City’s plans of investing in their defence during the window.

Despite their links to the Catalan side, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola missed out on managing Alba by a few months – although their ties to the La Liga side could persuade him into a move.

Meanwhile, Guardiola has also outlined his intentions to bring in a proven centre-back over the summer months despite the re-emergence of captain Vincent Kompany in recent weeks.

The Belgian has played six of City’s last seven matches on his return from an injury that has made him miss most of the current campaign, and he’s been a huge part in consolidating the back-line.

Yet Guardiola is cautious of over-relying on the injury-prone 31-year-old, and remains adamant that he will be in the market for a younger, fitter centre-back in the transfer window.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the Spaniard said:

“I think when he is in that form there is no doubt. But we have to cover our backs.

“We cannot give all our confidence he will be fit because of what we have experienced the last few years. We have to have back-ups if something happens.”

It is believed that City are looking to target the likes of Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk, Juventus and Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci or Atletico Bilbao’s Aymeric Laportre to strengthen ahead of next season.

Bayern Munich midfielder Kingsley Coman has also opened up about rumours that were linking him with a move to Manchester City last month, admitting that he was weighing up the switch.

The French international – on-loan at German giants Munich for two years from Serie A outfit Juventus – recently signed for Carlo Ancelotti’s side on a permanent deal for a fee of £18 million.

Yet Coman has revealed the rumours linking him to the Etihad were valid reports, and said that he was genuinely considering re-uniting with previous boss Pep Guardiola for next season.

Speaking to French outlet TF1, the 20-year-old said:

“I didn’t hesitate in relation to Manchester City or the coach, but because of my situation.

“I’m young, I’m in a time of my life where I need to play. If I wasn’t here, if it was difficult, I was ready to think about leaving. But I spoke to the president about the club’s project, about me, and everything was sorted.”

Coman has made 19 appearances for Bayern so far this season – including two in the Champions League – but has found himself playing second-fiddle to the likes of Arjen Robben.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by LF Salas.