Manchester City transfer news: Pep Guardiola planning to make move for Lyon defender Mouctar Diakhaby
Premier League leaders sent scouts to watch the 6ft 3in France U21 star play for Lyon against Everton in the Europa League
MANCHESTER CITY have put Mouctar Diakhaby on their shortlist of targets as a new centre-half.
Top spy Txiki Begiristain and co-assistant coach Mikel Arteta watched the 6ft 3in France Under-21 star play for Lyon at Everton in Thursday’s Europa League match.
Diakhaby, 20, fits the bill as City boss Pep Guardiola looks for a defender who can play and is quick on his feet.
Guardiola is still at least one centre-half short in his squad as Vincent Kompany struggles to stay fit, particularly after missing out on West Brom’s Jonny Evans.
City have been looking all over for suitable candidates, including Swansea and Wales U21 star Joe Rodon, but he would only be seen as cover.
Diakhaby seems more advanced if Guardiola pushes for a centre-half in the next window. And the fact he has picked up European experience is a plus.
Meanwhile, City think they have pulled off a coup by signing top teen Alex Robertson, who had been on trial with neighbours United.
City are banned from signing other clubs’ youngsters but the Aussie midfielder, 15, had not signed a scholarship deal offered at Old Trafford and opted for the Etihad instead.
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Robertson hit four goals for his new bosses in a youth game last week.
SunSport has also reported how City are keeping tabs on Napoli full-back Faouzi Ghoulam after he impressed at the Etihad during the week.
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Pep Guardiola had made cover at left-back one of his top priorities for next summer.
And the recent long-term injury to Benjamin Mendy has made his need for reinforcements even greater.
City know Ghoulam is into the final year of his contract with the Serie A leaders.
That means he will be available on a free next summer.
