Manchester City are weighing up a surprise approach for Nottingham Forest fullback Ola Aina, according to reports in England.

The 28-year-old has been in excellent form for the Tricky Trees this season and The Sun claim that he is on Pep Guardiola’s list of options to replace Kyle Walker.

Aina is actually out of contract at the end of the campaign and, while he is not pushing for a move away from Forest, it is believed that he would find it hard to resist a transfer to the Etihad.

The fact that the ex-Chelsea academy graduate is available on a free transfer next year means there would be no risk attached to the Cityzens snapping up the defender too.

Aina would provide Guardiola with options

In addition to the fact that he is available for nothing, the Nigerian international is capable of playing on both flanks.

It means Aina can provide cover as and when needed for Guardiola, who likes to have as many versatile players in his first-team squad as possible. The fullback is also unlikely to be unhappy about not playing every week either.

City have been linked with several other fullbacks

Aina is certainly not the only target that the Cityzens are considering. There is said to be long-term interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, with reports of contact with the Dutchman’s agent stretching back to the tail-end of last season.

Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and Sporting Lisbon’s Geovany Quenda have also been mentioned as alternatives on the right flank in recent weeks, while players such as AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson have been suggested as targets for the opposite wing. You can read more about City’s transfer plans in our article here.

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