Manchester City Round-Up: Spanish giants to swoop for striker; Hammers want Hart; goalkeeper selection dilemma

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According to reports in The Mirror this morning, Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero could be set to be a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid over the upcoming summer transfer window.

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With new signing Gabriel Jesus making an immediate impact after his arrival at the Etihad, and with Pep Guardiola preferring the 19-year-old in his starting line-up against West Ham on Wednesday, Aguero could be tempted with a move away.

Real Madrid have allegedly been admirers of the 28-year-old striker for a while now, and with Aguero not performing as consistently this season under Guardiola he could seek pastures new.

Aguero’s current contract at Manchester City doesn’t run out until 2020, but a big enough offer from Los Blancos could see the striker with a tough decision to make over the next few months.

However, The Guardian have reported that Aguero’s agent has said that the speculation of his future is incorrect, instead enforcing the point that the City forward is more than happy at the club.

He said:

“Yes, he is very, very happy – he will be there next season.”

Despite not being his usual vintage self this season, the Argentinian has managed eleven Premier League goals in nineteen appearances, helping City in their top-four challenge.

With reports of one player potentially finding the exit door at the Etihad, The Sun has reported that out-of-favour goalkeeper Joe Hart could be West Ham’s top summer target.

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Slaven Bilic’s side, who City thrashed 4-0 at London Stadium earlier in the week, are reportedly set to offer £15 million in their efforts to tempt Hart back to England for next season.

Hart is currently on loan in Italy at Torino after a summer fall-out with new manager Pep Guardiola, and it is deemed highly unlikely that the England goalkeeper will remain at the Etihad once he returns.

If the Hammers were to make a move for Hart, it would allow either Adrian or back-up goalkeeper Darren Randolph to leave – both of whom are performing below-par this season.

Away from transfer news, Pep Guardiola could be in for a tough decision ahead of his side’s match against Swansea City this Sunday between Willy Cabellero and Claudio Bravo.

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After dropping Bravo to the bench for the midweek fixture at West Ham, Caballero – who has regularly only been used as a cup competition goalkeeper – impressed, and kept City’s first Premier League clean sheet since Boxing Day.

In his previous three competitive matches, Caballero has kept clean sheets in all of them, and his record of only conceding 0.6 goals per game this season is far superior to Bravo’s stats.

It will be interesting to see who Pep goes with, and whether he sides with the in-form goalkeeper or shows his backing for his summer recruit devoid of confidence.

Manchester City host Swansea on Sunday afternoon, looking to return to the top two.

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