‘Absolutely top class’, ‘No one better’ – Sky pundit raves as Pep Guardiola move for ‘lethal’ star

Manchester City have reportedly made an approach to sign Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos on a free transfer next summer.

Kroos’ contract at Los Blancos expires in the summer and there has no been movement in regards to a new deal.

Real would like him to stay given his importance to the team and what he has achieved, but Kroos is not rushing into a decision just yet.

However, SPORT say that City are monitoring the situation very closely and have already been in contact with the player.

City are well-stocked with holding midfielders with Rodri and Kalvin Phillips but the report claims City are prepared to pay him €14 million (£12.2million) per year.

Sky Sports pundit and ex-Arsenal marksman Kevin Campbell has since hailed the Premier League champions for this apparent approach.

The former top-flight striker claimed that Kroos is ‘lethal’ and ‘absolutely top class’, with there being ‘no one better’ to strengthen Guardiola’s midfield options at Eastlands in his view.

He said to Football Insider about Kroos: “He’s an absolutely top-class player. When you’re a possession-based team like Man City, Kroos has got all the right clubs on his CV. There’s no one better.

“He would help Haaland even more. He likes to run in behind – just give it to Kroos, make your run, and the ball will appear. He’s lethal from outside the box, too.

“There’s going to be a changing of the guard at Man City, and they’re not going to stop pursuing quality. He’s a born winner, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he fancied it at Man City.”

The 32-year-old has complete freedom over his next move and only needs to wait until January 1st to be able to sign a contract with another club. 

One thing that may sway a deal in City’s favour is the previous relationship between Kroos and Guardiola. The two spent a season together at Bayern Munich in 2013-14.

Kroos spoke highly of his former coach when asked about their time at the Bundesliga side. 

He said: ‘Guardiola fought until the last day for me to stay at Bayern. If I have to choose a coach who is perfect for my game, it’s Guardiola. I really enjoyed the year with him, he improved me a lot.’

The midfielder has featured 11 times for Los Blancos in this campaign and has chipped with a goal and two assists in LaLiga so far.

His only goal came in their 2-1 win over Cadiz last week, where he scored a wondergoal to help secure all three points for his side.