Manchester City Transfer News: Latest Kylian Mbappe, Jason Denayer Rumours

Manchester City have denied making a bid for Kylian Mbappe, despite reports from France stating the Premier League club had offered £34.5 million for the AS Monaco teenage striker.

French publication L'Equipe (h/t Andy Warren of MailOnline) revealed Monaco turned down the City offer for 17-year-old prospect Mbappe. However, the Manchester club has since contradicted those claims, per Warren: "City, who have spent more than £160m during Pep Guardiola's first transfer window in charge, have denied making a bid for the teenager."

He also detailed the pedigree that has helped make Mbappe such a coveted young player: "Mbappe has been coveted by Europe's biggest clubs for many years, after he was invited for a training ground tour at Chelsea aged 11 and was welcomed to Real Madrid by Zinedine Zidane three years later."

L'Equipe (h/t Get French Football News) also reported how La Liga giants Barcelona are keen on the player. However, the Blaugrana are only interested in a deal for next season.

City may have missed out or they might have shown no interest. Either way, manager Pep Guardiola's squad is not lacking for talented forwards.

He's already added 20-year-old Germany international Leroy Sane this summer. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Brazil star Gabriel Jesus will officially join the club in January.

This precocious duo will be joining 19-year-old Kelechi Iheanacho and 21-year-old winger Raheem Sterling. The latter has experienced a return to his best form on Guardiola's watch so far this season.

City don't need to bemoan missing out on one more talented youngster. Their future seems secure thanks to the plethora of promising attackers Guardiola has already stockpiled.

Jason Denayer a Loan Target for Sunderland

One young player who could leave City before the transfer window closes is 21-year-old Belgian defender Jason Denayer. He's emerged as a loan target for Premier League side Sunderland, according to Rob Pollard of the Manchester Evening News.

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Pollard detailed why Denayer may welcome the move, as he's "keen to find a solution that allows him to play regular first-team football."

Pollard's report also revealed how both Swansea City and Southampton retain an interest in the versatile defender. Yet it's Sunderland manager David Moyes who appears to have the greater need.

He needs players to strengthen a squad that regularly flirts with relegation. Moyes is particularly mindful of the potential need for defensive reinforcements.

The former Manchester United chief is keeping tabs on Denayer, Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho and Saint-Etienne's Florentin Pogba, according to Stuart Rayner of the Chronicle.

However, Moyes may find City tough to deal with after Guardiola sent centre-back Eliaquim Mangala on loan to Valencia, per the club's official site (h/t Dev Trehan of Sky Sports).

Michael Regan/Getty Images

His exit leaves City trusting John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany at the centre-back position. Skipper Kompany is a key figure but has had a torrid time staying fit in recent seasons.

Guardiola has played left-back Aleksandar Kolarov in the middle at times this season. Right-back Bacary Sagna can also play centrally. Still, the City manager may feel better if he keeps a fourth natural centre-back around.

Guardiola's squad boasts ample talent up front, but he should guard against thinning his options at the back too much before the window closes.