Man City, Liverpool locked in battle over €45M-rated Brazilian defender

Diego Carlos could be set for a move away from Sevilla in the summer, with Manchester City and Liverpool interested in the combative defender.

Sevilla have two of Europe’s most marketable centre-backs on their books, Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos. The latter was a target for Newcastle United in January, and they reportedly remain keen. But the calibre of club looking at the Brazilian is increasing.

The imposing 28-year-old Brazilian defender has impressed the onlookers with his consistent performances in La Liga and is now gunning for a move elsewhere in the summer.

Sevilla ‘are already rubbing their hands’ at the possibility of a lucrative sale and the prospect of finding more buyers at their asking price.

According to a report from Fichajes, Manchester City and Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Sevilla defender Diego Carlos, who could potentially leave the La Liga side for a fee in the region of €45-60 million this summer, three years on from his move to Spain from Nantes for €15 million.

It remains to be seen whether City would pay up. Both are rich enough clubs to be able to afford the fee, but will have to weigh up what their priorities are in the summer.

While Pep Guardiola has no shortage of options in the central defensive unit, it appears he is open to further strengthening the overall depth of the squad, especially in case someone like Nathan Ake ends up leaving the Etihad in the summer.

The €45M-rated defender has made 36 appearances for Sevilla across all competitions this season. All but the most recent of his 25 La Liga outings have lasted for 90 minutes.