From Fabrizio Romano: Two nations to field interest in Kevin De Bruyne as Manchester City talks loom | OneFootball

Manchester City are likely to see Kevin De Bruyne subjected to interest from two powerhouses in global football, according to the information of Fabrizio Romano.

The future of the 32-year-old has been called into question in recent weeks amid a flurry of media reports highlighting potential interest from further afield, and also Manchester City’s stance on the future of their legendary midfielder.

From a City perspective, there is likely to be a willingness to grant De Bruyne all the time necessary to make a decision himself, as a mark of respect for the dedication and service given to the club by the Belgian since his arrival in 2015.

As for Kevin De Bruyne, his own future may depend on his own ability to remain fit and perform for Manchester City at the highest level, whilst also making a decision with the input of his young family who appear to be very content in the north-west of England.

Regardless of those two factors, a new report has detailed the approaches that could be made for De Bruyne over the course of the coming months, in an attempt to disrupt both the player and club’s way of thinking when it comes to contractual negotiations.

According to the information of Fabrizio Romano in a recent CaughtOffside podcast, Kevin De Bruyne is likely to receive proposals from both Saudi Arabia and the United States’ Major League Soccer division.

“I think the Saudi dealmakers will try,” Fabrizio Romano admitted on the subject of Kevin De Bruyne’s longer-term Manchester City future. “And I think someone from MLS will try. There will be interest from the United States and Saudi, for sure.”

Romano continued, “The reality is today, De Bruyne has no intention to have any distractions during a crucial stage of the season. His full focus is on the pitch. De Bruyne will not decide anything now or in April, this is my understanding.

“I’m also told that at the end of the season, he will have direct conversations with Man City before discussing with any other club.”

Kevin De Bruyne’s existing Manchester City contract expires at the end of next season, however the Premier League champions are highly unlikely to enable a cut-price exit this summer due to the status of his current agreement.

City officials could however turn to the transfer market this summer, as Etihad bosses undoubtedly draw up long-term replacements for De Bruyne and other ageing members of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering squad.

The right-back position could also become a position of interest when it comes to the transfer market, with club captain Kyle Walker into the twilight years of his professional playing career, and holding hopes of an emotional return to Sheffield United at some stage.