Manchester City eye move for €70 million midfielder with competition from Liverpool

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Published on 2024-01-24 12:17:16

Rumors suggest that Premier League champions Manchester City and Liverpool are both interested in signing FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela. The Argentine midfielder has been a key player for the Portuguese club, making 22 appearances and contributing one goal and two assists from his defensive midfield position this season. Since joining Porto in August 2023, Varela has quickly become the subject of attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Reports indicate that both Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on securing Varela’s services in the upcoming summer transfer window. According to the information from BolaVIP and relayed by Sport Witness, the two Premier League giants are looking to make a move for the 22-year-old midfielder.

Manchester City’s interest in Varela is said to be fueled by the expected departure of Kalvin Phillips, who is set to join West Ham. However, Porto is reportedly demanding a hefty sum of €70 million, the price of Varela’s release clause, for any potential sale.

For Manchester City, the pursuit of a new defensive midfielder comes as no surprise given their struggles in that position. Despite the high asking price for Varela, City’s manager Pep Guardiola may need to explore other options or consider existing players for the role.

City has previously utilized players like John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis, and Mateo Kovacic in midfield positions when needed. Guardiola is also said to value the ball-carrying abilities of Matheus Nunes, indicating that the club has alternative options if they are unable to secure Varela’s signature.

It remains to be seen whether Manchester City or Liverpool will be successful in bringing Varela to the Premier League, but the interest from both clubs is an indication of the midfielder’s growing reputation in European football.

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