Man City are making progress on a record-breaking deal to sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders ahead of the summer transfer window.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about the potential deal.
City’s move for Reijnders could be worth upwards of £70million, dwarfing Milan’s record sale which saw Kaka move to Real Madrid for £56million in 2009.
As a result, Football Insider revealed in March that Man City could sell players before signing Reijnders to clear space in the squad and raise funds.
Pep Guardiola is believed to be keen to bring the 26-year-old to England as part of a major overhaul of his squad, with a new midfielder among their top targets.
However, Milan still hold the cards with regard to his future after he signed a new contract in March to extend his stay in Italy until 2030.
Football Insider revealed in December that Reijnders’ contract had put City off the move in January, but there is now a belief he could become available.
AC Milan are set to miss out on Champions League football after a disappointing season, and Guardiola’s side believe they could now swoop in.
O’Rourke explained that the midfielder is “definitely” a target for the City boss, while his ability to play in numerous roles across the midfield is seen as a valuable asset.
“Obviously, Manchester City are trying to rebuild their squad,” he told Football Insider.
“Reijnders has been on their shortlist for a while now.
“They looked at it in January, but the player was happy at Milan and Milan weren’t willing to let him go.
“AC Milan are going to miss out on qualification for the Champions League, it’s been a disappointing season for them.
“It’s going to take a big transfer fee to convince Milan to sell him.
“He signed a new contract until 2030 in March, so they’re in a good position to get a big fee.
“They’re demanding a record fee for a player to be sold by Milan to make that move to Man City.
“The biggest sale in Milan’s history was Kaka, who left for around £56million when he moved to Real Madrid a few years ago now.
“They’re holding out for probably upwards of £70million for Reijnders.
“He can play as a number eight, a box-to-box midfielder, or he can play in a double pivot as well.
“So it’s definitely something Pep Guardiola is looking to add to his team.”
