CITY TO HIJACK DANILO FOR £26.5 MILLION

Manchester City are reportedly set to hijack the deal for Real Madrid right back Danilofrom Chelsea.

The Guardian reports that City have agreed a fee with Madrid for the player to move. The Brazilian is expected to provide competition for recently acquired Kyle Walker from Spurs.

The fee is in the range of £26.5 million with add-ons taking it to £30 million. This means Pep Guardiola is hoping to spend as much as £80 million for just the right back role. The Spaniard released Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta and BacarySagna so full backs were an important part of his summer plans.

Danilo’s ability to feature as a left back and a holding midfielder makes him unique. The deal for Benjamin Mendy is still in play, so if done there would be no need for a left back or a defensive midfielder. However, City are still chasing Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand. The Saintshave refused to sell their star left back but City remain persuasive.

Danilo joined Madrid in 2015 when he signed from Porto. Chelsea were reportedly leading the chase for the Brazil international before City stepped in. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has spent a lot in rebuilding the City squad up to his taste. He seemed to acknowledge the deal for Danilo but added that he could not say anything as it was not done and out of respect for other clubs.

The Champions League winner is still keen on Arsenal playmaker Alexis Sanchez despite the FA Cup champs insistence on keeping him. Despite making concerted efforts to lure Sanchez, Guardiola reminded everyone that Sergio Aguero was not on the market. There were reports that Chelsea were looking to turn to their local rivals for a top striker but Guardiola dismissed such ideas.

Man City have also been linked with a move for Napoli keeper Pepe Reina. Newcastle are leading the chase of the former Liverpool man but Guardiola wants to step in. Claudio Bravo who joined last term is still available. It is believed that if interested sides vie for his signature and they pay the required fees City might allow him leave if he wants to. Ederson joined from Benfica for £35 million and he is expected to be the first choice keeper so if Reina joins, Bravo might reconsider his City status.