Manchester City in ‘advanced negotiations’ over first major summer signing | OneFootball

Negotiations involving Manchester City over a deal for AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders are now ‘advanced’, according to a new report.

Officials within the Etihad Stadium are believed to have identified the Netherlands international as one of their top priorities to complete prior to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States.

With the age profile of Manchester City’s midfield ranks called into question at various points during the last season, Reijnders is viewed as a player that can bring a much-needed energy, versatility, and transition into the existing squad with ease.

Recent reports have also indicated a willingness from the side of the AC Milan star to make the switch to Manchester City in the coming weeks, with new claims from Italy suggesting that a family holiday has been cancelled in early July.

For now, there has been no formal confirmation among the most reliable of sources that an official bid has been lodged by City bosses, however conversations ongoing in the background involving various parties are seemingly heading in a very positive direction.

According to the information of ESPN’s Rob Dawson, quoting sources speaking to the outlet, it is revealed that Manchester City’s negotiations over a deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders are now at an ‘advanced’ stage.

It is highly likely that once verbal agreements are in place over what finances it would take to bring the player to the Etihad Stadium, then Manchester City will submit their opening and perhaps only offer, should it meet the demands of the Italian giants.

Tijjani Reijnders is unlikely to be the only arrival into Pep Guardiola’s midfield ranks this summer, with a direct replacement or creative addition needed given Kevin De Bruyne’s imminent exit from the club.

The Belgium international is widely expected to finalise a free transfer move to Serie A Champions Napoli in the coming days, with club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis claiming that the 33-year-old has purchased a new family home in the region.

Among the names considered as possible arrivals in light of De Bruyne’s exit is Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, although it remains to be seen what sort of finances could be involved in bringing the England international to the club.