Manchester City identify La Liga centre-back as transfer target with £12 million swoop plotted

Officials at Manchester City are plotting a multi-million move for one of La Liga’s fastest emerging central defensive talents, according to a new report.

The Premier League champions are being widely tipped to be on the verge of revamping the large majority of their ageing squad, following almost a decade of unrelenting success under manager Pep Guardiola.

Alongside a whole host of injury and fitness concerns this season, with Rodri’s problem sparking a desire to recruit in defensive midfield in January, City may also look towards some of their players in their thirties as requiring support or replacement.

As such, transfer rumours are starting to intensify over Manchester City’s intent to recruit in numerous roles, with the latest being in the central defensive ranks amid a lack of options for Guardiola in the opening half of the ongoing season due to injury.

And that monitoring of numerous talents in the role from across the game has led City towards the Spanish top-flight, and a name emerging from Sierra Leone and developing his trade in European football.

According to the information of The Sun’s Alan Nixon, officials at the Etihad Stadium are tracking Sierra Leone defender Juma Bah – currently on loan at Real Valladolid in La Liga – and could make a move to bring the player into Manchester City during the January market.

The 18-year-old has made a big impression during his debut La Liga season on loan from AIK Freetong, although City would likely face stern competition from within the Premier League as the report mentions Newcastle United, Everton, and Crystal Palace as interested parties.

On the subject of City in particular, it is further claimed that the Premier League champions are in contact with the defender over a £12 million transfer, and would also be willing to ‘fast track’ him into their squad.

Manchester City are already confirmed to be welcoming in one young name into their squad during the upcoming January transfer window, with Claudio Echeverri returning from a loan deal with River Plate after a deal was originally struck last January.

It is also believed that the club are keeping a watchful eye on the likes of Atalanta’s Éderson, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, and Torino’s Samuele Ricci as possible solutions to the remainder of the season without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

Contract extensions are also expected to be high up on Manchester City’s priority list in the coming weeks, with Kevin De Bruyne out of contract next summer, and the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Rodri all expected to be handed new and improved deals.