Manchester City Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Jose Luis Gaya, Sime Vrsaljko

Manchester City's hunt for a new full-back has reportedly led the team to Valencia starlet Jose Luis Gaya, while Atletico Madrid's Sime Vrsaljko has ruled out an exit during the January transfer window.

According to the Times (h/t Manchester Evening News' Simon Bajkowski), the Citizens are looking at Gaya as their potential left-back of the future, while Arsenal's Hector Bellerin is their preferred option on the right.

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Gaya's contract contains a €50 million buyout clause, which seems fair value given his tremendous potential. The 21-year-old has been Valencia's regular starter on the left for years and has already made his full debut for Spain's national team.

The former striker made his debut in 2012, becoming the latest in a long line of Valencia's top prospects at the position―he effectively replaced Jordi Alba in the starting XI after his move to Barcelona.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Gaya fits manager Pep Guardiola's vision of a quick, attack-minded full-back who is adept at crossing and passing and can cut inside as well as run down the wing.

Like many of his Valencia team-mates, he didn't live up to expectations during the 2015-16 campaign, but he's bounced back nicely this season and seems primed for a move to a top club at some point in the near future.

The €50 million price tag is steep, and in all likelihood Valencia will not be willing to drop that price tag too much. Young, quality left-backs with tremendous potential for growth are rare, so if Gaya does hit the transfer market, a host of other clubs will be interested in his services as well.

The Citizens are one of the richest clubs on the planet, however, and if Guardiola really wants his man, there's a good chance they'll land him.

One player who won't be moving to the Etihad Stadium is Vrsaljko, who is not willing to give up on his La Liga dream despite a disappointing start with Atletico.

The Croatian was one of Serie A's outstanding defenders last season before impressing during UEFA Euro 2016, and he was rewarded with a move from Sassuolo to the Spanish capital as a result.

He's spent most of his time on the bench since then, however, with veteran Juanfran keeping his spot in the starting XI.

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Speaking to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Daily Express' David Wright), Vrsaljko said he's not thinking about leaving right now: “I'm not thinking of leaving Atletico. I do not want to talk too much about my situation, of course I want to play more, but things are the way they are. It depends on me working hard and showing the coach what I'm worth.”

Per Sky Sports (h/t Wright), both Arsenal and City wanted the 24-year-old during the summer, and it's easy to see why. Vrsaljko is a superb full-back who can be effective both in attack and defence, and given the fact he played for Sassuolo at the time, a transfer didn't seem too difficult.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Juanfran is a favourite of Atletico manager Diego Simeone, but the Rojiblancos didn't spend big on Vrsaljko during the summer only to waste him on the bench. He'll get his chances soon enough, and it sounds as if he's willing to be patient and work for his opportunities.