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Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

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Report: Agent of £16.2m-rated ace in talks with Manchester City; Guardiola rates him ‘a lot’

Dylan Walsh
Dylan Walsh

The agent of FC Barcelona defender Sergi Roberto is reportedly in talks with Manchester City over a potential transfer.

, journalist Duncan Castles claims that the Spanish international’s representatives have been in touch with the Premier League champions over a possible move this summer.

FC Barcelona v Granada CF - La Liga Santander
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images

As per Castles, Pep Guardiola rates Roberto ‘a lot’, and is a big fan of the 29-year-old’s ‘flexibility’ on the pitch. The Barcelona ace started his career as a central midfielder but has since developed into a right-back. Ronald Koeman used him in both positions last season.

The Man City/Barcelona carousel

Indeed, Manchester City and Barcelona seem to be doing a lot of business this summer. Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia have already made the switch this window. Furthermore, reports indicate that this is only just the beginning.

arsenal-transfer-target-sergio-aguero-unveiled-barcelona-striker-man-city-premier-league-exit-la-liga
Photo by DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images

As , Aymeric Laporte is keen to move to the Catalan giants. Whilst that Joao Cancelo wants a transfer to Barcelona, with Roberto a player who could be offered in a swap deal. The 29-year-old has a value of £16.2m.

that Bernardo Silva was the subject of interest from Barcelona last summer. The City playmaker had his heart set on a move to Spain. However, a transfer fell through late on.

Roberto could be an astute signing for Manchester City

Whilst the prospect of signing a 29-year-old from a degrading Barcelona squad might not sound appealing on paper, Roberto could be a solid addition to City’s team for next season.

Villarreal CF v FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander
Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images

As Castles mentions, Guardiola is a fan of players who can play in more than one position. And with Roberto being accomplished in two roles, the Spanish international is an ideal name to join City’s ranks.

Indeed, his relationship with Guardiola during their time together at Barcelona means Roberto could hit the ground running at City. And with the likes of Cancelo and Silva potentially moving on, the 29-year-old would be a two-in-one replacement for the duo.