Pep Guardiola to launch £50million January bid for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti
Manchester City boss wants to sign a centre-back as a priority as he targets an unprecedented Quadruple in the new year
PEP GUARDIOLA is poised to launch a £50million January bid for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti.
The Manchester City boss wants to sign a centre-back as a priority as he targets an unprecedented Quadruple in the new year.
Umtiti, 24, has the £50m release clause in his Nou Camp contract — and Manchester United are also keen on the France star.
But Sergio Aguero is ready to quit the Etihad in the summer and return to his first club Independiente back home in Argentina.
City’s record scorer Aguero, 29, goes into today’s Premier League clash at Crystal Palace with 184 goals for the club.
He only signed a one-year extension to his contract last January, taking him to summer 2020.
But boss Guardiola says the Etihad legend will decide his own future — and Aguero fancies a return to South America ahead of joining Spanish giants Real Madrid.
He is still adored at Independiente where cash from his move to Atletico Madrid 12 years ago helped pay for refurbishments to the club’s stadium.
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Aguero’s picture adorns VIP boxes of their Libertadores de America stadium in Buenos Aires.
Former Independiente vice-president Carlos Sola said: “Fans know what he has done for the club.
“Kun only played here for a few years but all the people here think he is a club great. And when he comes back, he is a supporter of the club — he is one of them.”
Aguero’s son with Giannina Maradona — daughter of Diego — also lives in Argentina.
And despite banging in 15 goals this season, Aguero fears he does not have Guardiola’s full trust.
He showed his frustration by tossing away his gloves when he was subbed in the 4-1 win over Tottenham recently.