Pep loves him: Man City now keen on signing £42m former Man Utd "revelation"

Manchester City are now keen on signing a former Manchester United player this summer, with Pep Guardiola looking to strengthen his defence, according to a report.

Man City targeting new left-back

Man City’s rebuild commenced in the January transfer window, with the likes of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez being brought in, and more reinforcements will be needed this summer, with Kevin De Bruyne set to leave.

Guardiola is also keen to bolster his options at left-back, given that Josko Gvardiol is one of the manager’s only options, and City are said to be in constant contact with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez, who may now be available for just £30m this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Destiny Udogie is also of interest to the Sky Blues, with new sporting director Hugo Viana pushing to sign the Italian, who he has been tracking since 2021, although it is unclear whether Spurs would be willing to strengthen a direct rival.

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According to a report from Spain, Man City have identified six targets at left-back, including Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras, who has enjoyed an outstanding season in the Liga Portugal.

Given his impressive form, Carreras is now among the City coaching staff’s favourite targets at left-back, indicating that Guardiola is a big fan, but a significant bid may be needed to prise him away from Benfica, given the 22-year-old’s importance to the Portuguese side.

Amid links to Liverpool earlier this season, it was revealed the left-back has a £42m release clause included in his Benfica contract, but it is unclear whether the Sky Blues would need to fork out the full amount to get a deal done.

Carreras impressing in the Champions League

There are clear signs the full-back could be able to make the step-up to a club of City’s stature, having put in some top performances in the Champions League this season, with reporter Alvaro de Grado describing him as one of the competition’s “revelations”.

The Spaniard made ten appearances in Europe’s elite competition, providing two assists prior to his side’s exit at the hands of Barcelona, while he has also impressed defensively over the past year, ranking highly across some key metrics.

Not only that, but the former Manchester United man has been indispensable for Benfica in the Liga Portugal, scoring an impressive goal in his side’s 4-1 triumph against FC Porto earlier this season.

It is clear that Guardiola will need to bring in a new left-back this summer, with the manager lacking options in that area of the pitch, and Carreras could be a fantastic long-term addition to the squad.