Manchester City are interested in securing the services of Porto midfielder Alan Varela, according to journalist Leo Paradizo.
It is believed that the Premier League champions have enquired about the Argentinian youth international’s availability along with Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Varela only joined Porto from Boca Juniors last year, with the Portuguese side paying €11m to snap up the player.
However, the 22-year-old has impressed scouts with his performances during his first season in Europe and there could be a three-way battle for his signature this summer.
Varela won’t be available on the cheap
It has already been confirmed that the midfielder has a €70m (£60m) release clause in his contract, and it’s expected that Porto will hold out for the full amount.
Considering Varela’s lack of experience, it would be a hefty fee but there is a dearth of top-quality holding midfielders around, and City may be tempted to make a move to strengthen a key position.
City need to give Rodri some support
Kalvin Phillips is expected to leave the Etihad after failing to establish himself during his two seasons with the Cityzens. There have also been rumours regarding the future of Matheus Nunes, with some reports suggesting that he could be offloaded just twelve months after joining from Wolves.
If both players are sold, it would add more pressure to recruit reinforcements in the middle of the park. Rodri has already expressed that he has been suffering from fatigue this season due to the number of games he has been asked to play. After the 3-3 draw against Real Madrid in April, he said:
“I do need a rest. Let’s see how we speak, how we live the situation. Sometimes it is what it is. I need to adjust. It [rest] is something we are planning, yeah.”
With City expected to play over 70 games next campaign, there is even greater urgency to sign a capable backup for Rodri.
