Manchester City's Aouar interest could open door for Liverpool to land N'Dombele

By Sam Preston

Manchester City are eyeing up Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, according to the Sun.

Pep Guardiola has faced Aouar twice in the Champions League this season and has reportedly been very impressed by what he saw.

But last month, City had also been linked with Aouar’s team-mate Tanguy N’Dombele, alongside Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton.

City and Liverpool look set for a ding-dong battle in the title race, but their respective interest in the two team mates could mean they both get what they want from the Ligue 1 in the transfer market.

(Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Alternatively, Lyon losing one of their central midfield axis could strengthen their negotiating position for the other, but both sides have the financial clout to get their man.

Neither side has a pressing need for a new midfield player, so this battle could well take place next summer as one looks to retain the title, while the other is looking for a route back to the summit of English football.

But it could well be a relief to both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp if they are not on a collision course for the same player; especially the Spaniard, who lost out to Chelsea over Jorginho during the summer.