Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is planning to rope in Southampton full-back Ryan Bertrand in January, according to reports.
Man City scouts have been monitoring the English full-back’s performances over the last two seasons and now Guardiola has made up his mind to launch a move for the Saints star in the January transfer window.
The former Barcelona manager is a huge admirer of Bertrand’s game style, and is keen to sign another left-back with summer recruit Benjamin Mendy expected to be out of action for rest of the season
Earlier Guardiola wanted to land Napoli star Faouzi Ghoulam, who will become a free agent at the end of the season.
But the Algerian player will now be out of action for months with cruciate knee ligament damage.
Napoli have made it clear that Ghoulam is not for sale in January insisting they are not interested in listening to offers for the player.
Man City bosses are now looking out for other options and have identified Bertrand as their top target despite the player being valued at £30million.
A source told The Sun: “Ryan Bertrand is back on the radar of City with Napoli refusing to budge on Ghoulam at present.
“Bertrand is a player City have ran the rule over before, but his transfer fee could be an issue, it all depends on what they ask for again.
“His homegrown status is also attractive. The issue they have is Benjamin Mendy is expected to be out for the season.
“He is another possible reason why City might have to hold off on Sanchez in January, as they don’t have the money to do that deal and also strengthen the defence.”
Bertand joined the Saints in 2015 from Chelsea for a £10m transfer fee after having spent a season on loan. He has since made 79 Premier League appearances for the club.