Man City linked with six left-backs, including £101m defender Pep Guardiola ‘loves’

Manchester City have been linked with moves for five left-backs, while they are reportedly on the verge of completing a move for another.

As the transfer window edges closer to shutting, the issue of City’s options in the wide defensive areas is becoming an increasingly important matter.

The Blues only have two choices in those areas at present, in Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo, although John Stones and Nathan Ake did deputise at full-back last season and there are players who could step up from the underage side.

City navigated almost all of last season with Walker, Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the wide positions, but the latter’s move to Arsenal has left the champions short of options.

They were, of course, keen on Marc Cucurella but were unwilling to match Brighton & Hove Albion’s valuation of the player, allowing Chelsea the opportunity to complete a deal.

But with just weeks remaining of the window, City look set to add to their ranks…

Gomez transfer close & Atletico man on the radar

As per The Athletic, Sergio Gomez is on the verge of completing a €13m (£11m) move to the Etihad from Anderlecht.

The Spaniard is set to fly to Manchester to complete a medical, but is seen as a player who has ‘high-potential development’ rather than one expected to immediately challenge for a starting berth.

The Athletic add the signing of Gomez will have no impact on the club’s pursuit of another left-back.

Meanwhile, the Times claim the fee could rise to £17m for the player, wth Anderlecht set to receive 15% of any future sale.

It is also reported that Gomez will be assessed by Pep Guardiola before a decision is made as to whether he stays at the club this season or is sent out on loan.

According to the Telegraph, City are also monitoring five other left-backs, with Renan Lodi among them.

He is seen as a player who would ‘fit straight into Guardiola’s team’, with Atletico ‘braced’ for interest in Lodi.

Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, claims he is a player Guardiola loves and there is a €120m (£101m) release clause for the player.

The Telegraph also believe Raphael Guerreiro is a player City are considering, while Borna Sosa has been monitored by the Blues.

Two Premier League options have also been reported as potential recruits, with Kieran Tierney a possibility in the latter stages of the window, while Rayan Ait-Nouri’s development is being observed.