Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly is not “entirely sold on” the idea of becoming a no.6, according to journalist Sam Lee.

Writing for The Athletic, Lee said that manager Pep Guardiola is convinced that the 20-year-old should be deployed in a deeper-lying midfield role, despite the player preferring to play in a more advanced position:

“Guardiola seems hell-bent on converting him into a holding midfielder because of his height and physical presence, something that the youngster does not sound entirely sold on.”

“To be fair to O’Reilly, given the way he moves in the final third, he has plenty to offer at the top end of the pitch.”

O’Reilly has been playing in defence recently

Due to the lack of options, the midfielder has actually been deployed as a left-back in recent games.

It has allowed O’Reilly to get forward, though, and he has scored 4 times in the 6 matches he has started in that position this season.

Chelsea have been circling the City academy star

The fact that O’Reilly is getting regular minutes should ensure that the player is not tempted by a transfer away from the Etihad. However, if he is not entirely happy with Guardiola’s plans for him, he knows that other clubs would like to secure his services.

Chelsea had an approach knocked back at the end of the January transfer window and there are suggestions that they will make another move for him if they get any encouragement that he is available.

The Cityzens are, however, hopeful of tying O’Reilly down to a new contract in the near future. Reports suggests that negotiations over an extension are already underway, with the player set to be handed a significant wage rise following his breakthrough into the first team.

Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here