Manchester City round-up: Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand targeted; Virgil Van Dijk deal off; Angus Gunn set for loan move

Add as preferred source on Google

According to reports from Sky Sports this morning, Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand could be on the brink of a move away after Manchester City have stepped up their interest in him.

It is believed that, after Monaco have put a £40 million price on the head of left-back Benjamin Mendy as per The Telegraph, City boss Pep Guardiola has altered his priority to the Saints defender.

Although Southampton have reportedly not received any official offer for the 27-year-old English international as of yet, Sky Sports allege that a deal worth around £110,000-per-week is now in motion.

After releasing Bacary Sagna, Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy already this summer it is expected that Guardiola will delve into the transfer market and make at least two additions to his back-line.

Meanwhile, reports are suggesting that Manchester City are set to calm their interest in Bertrand’s Southampton teammate Virgil van Dijk after the asking price of £60 million is deemed to excessive.

The Sun claim that bosses high up at the Etihad are stunned that the price has risen so high considering that the 26-year-old has little Champions League experience – and has been injured since January.

It is also believed that the re-emergence of captain Vincent Kompany after his return from injury in the latter part of the season has persuaded Guardiola into re-considering the need for a centre-back.

Instead, it is looking increasingly likely that Liverpool at set to prise the Dutchman away from St Mary’s this summer – although BBC Sport report that their approach for Van Dijk was illegally made.

It emerged, on BBC Sport last night, that he has outlined his desire to move to Anfield above any other side but the Saints are now prepared to report Liverpool to the Premier League for their lack of morals.

With all of City’s talk firmly planted on those potentially arriving at the club, young goalkeeper Angus Gunn is to leave the Etihad on a season-long loan with boyhood side Norwich, according to The Pink Un.

The Norfolk-based outlet claim that 21-year-old Gunn – who left the Canaries in 2011 after being scouted by Manchester City – could have a move back to his former side confirmed by the weekend.

With Pep Guardiola’s side on the verge of agreeing a deal for Benfica goalkeeper Ederson according to BBC Sport, Gunn would remain third in the pecking order behind Claudio Bravo if he stayed.

Gunn is yet to make his full Premier League debut, being named as an unused substitute at various points this season, but he is highly rated in Manchester and has a current contract up until 2020.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Indolivescore.