Manchester City plotting bid for ‘generational’ centre-back Luka Vušković and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are considering bidding for Hajduk Split centre-back Luka Vuskovic, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The 16-year-old is slowly establishing himself in the Croatian club’s first team. He infamously became the youngest Croatian to ever play, and to score, in the UEFA Youth League earlier on in his rising career.

Vuskovic is also the youngest-ever player and goalscorer in the club’s history. He is the youngest ever to start a game for Hajduk. The 6ft 4ins defender has a bright future ahead of him.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the reigning Premier League champions were readying an offer to sign the 16-year-old centre-back, however, Vuskovic made the surprising decision to pen fresh terms with Hajduk to extend his contract at the club until 2026.

As per the Italian transfer guru, though, though race to sign Vuskovic is still wide open, with a move expected in the summer as Hadjuk look set to rake in a huge sum of cash for their wonderkid prospect

Understand Man City were considering a bid for Croatian talent Luka Vušković, centre back born in 2007 who is already playing with Hajduk Split first team. 🔵🇭🇷 #MCFC

Situation has changed as Hajduk have extended his contract until June 2026 — the race will be open now. pic.twitter.com/OHQ6Z0ryQf

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 5, 2023

With City almost making a bid to sign Vuskovic, though, it is safe to assume that Pep Guardiola’s side could be the favourites to land the Croatian youth international this summer, who according to Foot the Ball is being viewed as a ‘generational’ talent in his homeland.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid are reportedly considering an ‘audacious’ move for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window, with Los Blancos looking at a ‘new generation’ of talent.

According to the Independent, Madrid are already looking for Karim Benzema’s eventual successor, with president Florentino Perez open to testing City’s resolve in regards to Haaland.

However, the report adds that the Norwegian ace is happy at the Etihad, but the Spanish outfit are said to be keen on bringing both Haaland and Jude Bellingham to the club at the end of the season.

The report adds that Haaland is not seen as the sort of player who will stay at any one club for years, but the 22-year-old has thrived in the Premier League since arriving from Borussia Dortmund. The frontman has scored a remarkable 27 goals in 25 games so far in the league, and 33 goals in 34 matches in all competitions.

Perez was expected to delay any move for Haaland until summer 2024, but Madrid are said to be at least willing the test the situation in the summer.