From Spain: Manchester City reach agreement in principle over transfer deal for La Liga goalkeeper | OneFootball

Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia over a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to new reports.

It comes as the futures of both of Pep Guardiola’s main first-team shot-stoppers remain in doubt heading towards the summer transfer window and following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

On the subject of Ederson, it is believed that the Brazil international is once again open to a new opportunity away from Manchester City, and it remains to be seen whether the Saudi Pro League could reignite failed interest from last summer.

City were open to the possibility of their long-standing number one choice between the posts leaving for Saudi Arabia during the last summer transfer window, providing potential suitors met the club’s £50 million valuation on the player.

Ultimately, no such proposal arrived and Ederson remained. As for Stefan Ortega Moreno, the German has long been eyeing a consistent starting role at the summit of the European game, and there is a possibility of Bayer Leverkusen interest that could be attractive to him.

But in a summer when Manchester City have plenty of work on their radar, it seems as though the chase of a new goalkeeper is among the priorities as significant developments concerning the shot-stopping role has now emerged in Spanish media.

According to the information of journalist Xavi Espinosa, Espanyol’s in-demand goalkeeper Joan Garcia currently has three offers on the table for him to decide between, coming from FC Barcelona, Manchester City, and Newcastle United.

It is explained that the Catalan club have made a proposal to the 24-year-old, while Manchester City have reached an ‘agreement in principle’ over a move, with a ‘verbal agreement’ in place with their Premier League rivals, Newcastle.

From the side of the Etihad Stadium pursuit, it is claimed that City are also chasing a deal for FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, who is their ‘main priority’ in case a deal for Garcia is not possible during the summer market.

Manchester City’s sporting director, Hugo Viana is reportedly negotiating with both of the aforementioned goalkeepers simultaneously, leaving the decision on Joan Garcia’s future in the hands of the player himself.

The goalkeeper position is one of a number of roles that are currently being assessed for improvement and reinforcement by Manchester City officials during the off-season, with as many as four signings expected before outgoings are anticipated.

The club are believed to be targeting additions in both full-back positions, while the centre of the park is expected to be the main focus and source of excitement for supporters, particularly given the search for a long-term Kevin De Bruyne replacement.

Aside from the well-covered interest in Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, Manchester City are now also believed to be interested in Olympique Lyonnais’ Rayan Cherki as a lower-cost option for the creative ranks.