Manchester City target Eberechi Eze is “open” to joining the Premier League champions, according to TEAMtalk.

The website says that the Crystal Palace player is a “top target” for the Cityzens after an approach was approved by manager Pep Guardiola.

Eze won’t be cheap but it is believed that he does have a release clause in his contract that means he can be signed for an initial £60m.

With the 26-year-old said to be interested in a move, there is a decent chance that the midfielder will make the switch to the Etihad Stadium before the transfer window closes.

City have held talks with the player’s entourage

TEAMtalk are not the only source that claim that City’s interest in the England international is serious. The Athletic reported on Tuesday that “informal discussions” took place with Eze’s representatives “towards the end of last week”.

Whether that will lead to more formal negotiations, though, it is still not known. Eze is not the only option under consideration as City have also reportedly looked at Pedro Neto (before he joined Chelsea) and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz.

More than one team wants Eze

The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in the winger very recently so Pep Guardiola’s side may have to fend off other clubs if they do decide to pursue him.

However, the fact that Eze has intimated that he is keen on a move to Manchester would suggest that City do have an upper hand. The existence of the buyout clause will also make any deal easier to finalise. Palace are known to be tough negotiators, which is demonstrated by the fact that they are holding out for a fee in excess of £65m for Marc Guehi.

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