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Transfers
Manchester City close in on Southampton full-back Ryan Bertrand – what will he offer?
have reported that Manchester City have upped their interest in Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand, claiming that some aspects of a potential deal have already been agreed.
Bertrand is believed to be one of Pep Guardiola’s top targets and is now being tracked as a priority after a bid for Monaco’s Benjamin Mendy was rejected by the French Champions – as per the . Both sources agree that a price-tag of around £40m has forced City to look elsewhere.
In the report from Sky Sports, it is made clear that an official bid for Bertrand hasn’t yet been made, but their sources believe the Englishman could join City in the next fortnight.
The news may come as a blow to Liverpool and Bertrand’s previous club, Chelsea, who were both rumoured to be interested in his services. Just last month, the broke the story that the 27-year-old has told teammates he is ready to leave Southampton and expected to do so over the summer.
That being the case, combined with the serious financial backing Guardiola has already received this window, suggests that a move is likely. It was also clear that recruiting fullbacks would be a key part of City’s efforts to mount a title challenge next season. also state that Tottenham Hotspur’s Kyle Walker may join the former Chelsea man at the Etihad within the same short time frame.
At 27 years of age, Bertrand has proven himself to be one of the most capable and consistent fullbacks in the Premier League – with left-back proving a particular weakness for other sides including Liverpool, in recent years, his acquisition would be a coup for Manchester City.
Despite being five years older than 22-year-old Mendy, the Englishman should still have years ahead of him at the highest level and is arguably entering his peak. The experience of the same league can often prove crucial and is difficult to come across when looking for available players in specific positions, particularly for top clubs. Because of this, expect Southampton to profit generously from the £11 million they paid Chelsea two and a half years ago
The Saints face yet another summer of upheaval and would need to replace half of their starting back line, should expected deals for both Bertrand and Virgil Van Dijk (to Liverpool) go through. Financially the club grows ever stronger, generating vast sums from impressive scouting and short-term selling on, whilst maintaining a moderate level of success.
For Guardiola’s second season at City, anything regarded as moderate may well cost him his job. With such wealthy backers offering seemingly endless transfer funds, expectations could not be much higher. There will undoubtedly be more arrivals at the Etihad and Pep will be more aware than anyone of the increased pressure each big signing puts on his shoulders. Bertrand looks to be a safe bet.