Manchester City have “distanced themselves” from a move for Boca Juniors left wingback Valentin Barco, according to The Athletic reporter Sam Lee.
Multiple reports in the Argentinian media have claimed that the Premier League champions were the favourites to snap up the teenager.
Barci is said to have a $10m (£7.9m) release clause in his contract and many were tipping the Cityzens to activate it during the January transfer window.
However, Lee, who is generally pretty reliable when it comes to transfer activity at City, claims the 19-year-old won’t be making the switch to the Etihad Stadium in the near future.
Why have City backed away from a deal for Barco?
Considering that the left-back is available for such a low price, it is somewhat surprising that the Manchester club have opted against signing the Argentinian Under 23 international.
It could simply be the case that they have assessed Barco’s qualities and believe that there are better targets on the market. With Brighton, Chelsea and Liverpool having also been linked with the defender, though, you can’t rule out the possibility that he will join a Premier League team this month anyway.
Another Argentinian youngster is set to join City
While a move for Barco looks dead in the water, the Cityzens are thought to be putting the finishing touches on a deal to sign attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri from River Plate.
It is believed that Pep Guardiola’s side have triggered the 18-year-old’s £21.7m buyout clause but the player won’t be moving to England straight away. He is expected to stay on loan with River Plate for the rest of the campaign before joining City for pre-season in the summer.
