Manchester City are weighing up an approach for Braga centre-back Sikou Niakate, according to reports.
The 25-year-old has turned heads with his performances in the Europa League this season and Africafoot claim that the Premier League champions are considering “submitting an offer” at the start of the January transfer window.
Niakate is believed to have a €30m (£25m) release clause in his contract, although it isn’t known whether Braga would be willing to accept an offer below that amount.
He is a left-footed centre-half, having spent a fair amount of time playing in France’s second division prior to his switch to Portugal.
United are interested in Niakate
Africafoot report that City’s rivals have also been keeping close tabs on the Malian international, having sent scouts to watch the defender in action this season.
There are said to be other clubs in the mix for Niakate’s signature, but it appears both Manchester teams are among the frontrunners.
City are in talks to sign another centre-back
In addition to Niakate, the Cityzens have stepped up their interest in Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that there have been “discussions” with the player’s club and his entourage.
The Uzbek international is a highly regarded young player and there is expected to be competition for his signature too, with Real Madrid, Newcastle and Tottenham all having been credited with an interest.
Khusanov is set to cost a similar amount to Niakate so it could be the case that City are looking to snap up one or the other.
Based on Romano’s comments, it seems Khusanov is the preferred target at the moment but, if they do lose out on the 20-year-old, they do have a backup option in place.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
