Man Utd 'consider' using buy-back clause for defender as Man City hatch Erling Haaland succession 'plan'
Manchester City have identified a player who could replace Erling Haaland in the future.
Last night, England were defeated in surprising fashion by a spirited Greece outfit in the Nations League. It was a disappointing evening for fans of the Three Lions but in the meantime, let’s take a look at all the biggest rumours from around Manchester City and Manchester United today.
There are behind the scenes rumblings at Manchester City. Txiki Begiristain is set to leave his post as director of football at the end of the season - and one of his potential successors could help the Citizens to sign a replacement for Erling Haaland, should the Norwegian opt to leave the Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are scouting a Spanish defender who currently plays for Benfica in the Liga Portugal - however, they are not alone in their pursuit.
Manchester City identify Viktor Gyokeres as potential Erling Haaland ‘replacement’
Manchester City’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, will leave the club at the end of the season. Currently, Hugo Viana is the ‘leading contender’ to take on the role - and he could help them out in a big way if Erling Haaland ever decides to leave the club.
In the event of Haaland’s departure, Viana would look to bring Sporting CP ace Viktor Gyokeres on board as a replacement [via Fichajes]. He is on fire in Liga Portugal this season, having scored 11 goals in eight league games.
On Viani, Fabrizio Romano said [via Football 365]: “He’s a strong candidate and has a very good chance to replace Begiristain at City. He’s done an excellent job in Portugal, signing players like Viktor Gyokeres and Ousmane Diomande, so he’s a very talented director.
“I can confirm that contacts are already ongoing, so keep an eye on this one as it looks like Viana has a good chance of becoming a new key figure behind the scenes at Manchester City. I rate him really highly and so I’m not surprised to be told about him being favourite for the job.
“Txiki Begiristain is a world class director, one of the best in history, he made incredible things in Spain and then he built this City masterpiece with Pep and Ferran Soriano, so it’s a big blow for City, for sure, but I’m also sure they know how to replace him in the best way possible.”
Manchester United ‘monitoring’ Benfica full back Álvaro Carreras
Manchester United’s backline has been problematic this season - not only are the Red Devils shipping goals, they have also been hit with a slew of injuries in that area of the pitch.
As such, Erik ten Hag’s men are looking to bolster their defensive options - particularly in the full back roles. According to a recent report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo, United are ‘closely monitoring’ the progress of Alvaro Carreras. They aren’t the only ones in the race, though - he is also thought to be in Barcelona and Real Madrid’s sights.
He has previously been a United player, having signed for Benfica earlier this year after they exercised his option to buy clause following a successful loan period. However, he never made a Premier League appearance for the Red Devils during his first stint with the club. United did insert a buyback clause into his deal, however, so would be able to bring him back to Old Trafford if they wished.