Man City join Liverpool in targeting Napoli’s Ghoulam

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Faouzi Ghoulam has been lined up as a replacement for Benjamin Mendy
Mendy is facing months out on the sidelines after picking up serious knee injury
Ghoulam emerged as one of the most monitored defenders in Europe last term

Published: 06:27 EDT, 5 October 2017 | Updated: 08:40 EDT, 5 October 2017

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Manchester City have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Napoli left back Faouzi Ghoulam, according to French reports.

The 26-year-old has been lined up as a temporary replacement for Benjamin Mendy, who is facing months on the sidelines after picking up a serious knee injury against Crystal Palace.

Reports in France claim that Pep Guardiola is eyeing up a January move for the Algeria international but any deal will be tough to complete as Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri does not want to sell Ghoulam, one of his star players.

Manchester City are targeting Napoli left back and Algerian international Faouzi Ghoulam

Last season Ghoulam emerged as one of the most monitored defenders in European football and attracted the attention of City's Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Ghoulam has only one year remaining on his current deal and City and Liverpool have been handed a boost, after an agent recently admitted the player is unlikely to sign a new contract.

Speaking to the media, agent of on-loan Napoli left-back Mario Rui - Mario Giuffredi offered some input on Ghoulam's situation.

Pep Guardiola's City side look set to rival Liverpool for the signature of the 26-year-old

'I'm sure that as soon as he's ready Mario Rui will demonstrate his worth even if, it has to be said, Ghoulam is irreplaceable right now,' said Giuffredi as reported by Football Italia.

'I don't think Ghoulam will renew with Napoli, and it's enough to think that in four months he'll be able to sign for whoever he wants for nothing.

'He could earn €5m and if I were his agent I'd do that, and I don't think the others are stupid. I don't believe these stories that Ghoulam wants to renew, if he wanted to renew he'd already have done it.

'Besides, with the way he's playing Napoli can't afford to put him in the stands. After August 31, it's the player who has the handle of the knife,' the agent added.