Manchester City handed late defensive midfield transfer hope as £50 million price tag revealed

There has been late hope in the ongoing January transfer market that Manchester City could recruit a new defensive midfielder with just days remaining.

There has been a long-standing feeling within the Etihad Stadium supporter base that Pep Guardiola’s team has been in urgent need of a new defensive midfielder, and while investment has been rife this month, that position has remained unaddressed.

Txiki Begiristain and his recruitment colleagues have secured multiple signings in the defensive line, with one player heading out on loan to French football and the fate of another somewhat unknown at this stage.

Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis joined Guardiola’s first-team immediately from Lens and Palmeiras respectively, while Juma Bah arrived from Real Valladolid before being loaned out to Lens for the remainder of the season, as Christian McFarlane joined from New York City FC.

However, with just four days remaining in the winter market, there may now be fresh hope of a defensive midfielder being added to the ranks to complete what many would deem a hugely successful window for the club.

That is according to the information of The Mirror’s Simon Mullock, who reveals that sources in Italy now believe that Serie A side Atalanta are ‘open for business’ as a result of them falling behind in the chase for the Italian top-flight title in recent weeks.

It is claimed that Atalanta officials have now placed a £50 million valuation on in-demand Brazilian midfielder, Éderson – who has ‘long-time admirers’ within Manchester City and the Etihad Stadium.

Elsewhere, Juventus are said to have also offered Manchester City the chance to sign a player that was previously on their books, with Douglas Luiz available on loan if the Premier League champions were to agree to an obligation to buy.

For now, Manchester City will continue with their existing options and solutions in the defensive midfield ranks, as manager Pep Guardiola entrusts Mateo Kovacic with the role most frequently this season.

Other options have included Ilkay Gundogan and Rico Lewis, while the possibility of John Stones returning into the position has been shut down by the City boss, who largely feels as though the England international can only stand alongside Rodri in that formation.

Next up for City are matches that could have huge ramifications on silverware hopes and a top-four finish this season, as Club Brugge vist the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League on matchday eight, before a Premier League meeting with Arsenal in North London, and an FA Cup fourth round tie against Leyton Orient.