Manchester City Transfer News: Lucas Hernandez Targeted for Summer, Top Rumours
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will reportedly wait until the summer before bolstering his team's creaking defence and has made Atletico Madrid's young centre-back Lucas Hernandez a key target.
That's according to Ian Herbert of The Independent, who has suggested the 20-year-old is valued at around the £20 million mark. The France international, who can also play at left-back, has impressed for the capital club whenever he's featured, although he has only made four starts in La Liga this season.
It's noted that Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci was a primary defensive target for City in the summer, although they are said to have given up in their pursuit of the Italian.
"Those close to Guardiola suggest that he is not pessimistic about the second half of the season, despite his defensive problems and a bad December which brought three Premier League defeats," Herbert added.
As suggested in the report, Atletico president Miguel Angel Gil Marin recently confirmed City have made a move for Hernandez in the past, as well as his brother, Theo, who is on loan with Alaves.
"With Marin insisting publicly that City could afford to buy out both players' clauses, there is clearly a willingness to sell on the Spaniards' part," the piece continued.
Although he's far from a first-team regular, the youngster has never looked out of place when called upon by manager Diego Simeone.
Per Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC, he's done a fine job against some elite opponents:
Hernandez is the kind of youthful presence City could benefit from at the back.
With the likes of Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Aleksandar Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta still key parts of Guardiola's plans, it's no surprise the team has looked weary against sharp attacking opponents. The defensive dynamism potentially provided by Hernandez would give the team a lift.
Working under Simeone, arguably the best defensive coach in world football, would be a wonderful experience for any young defender, and Hernandez may have to think carefully about a move. Becoming a building block in Guardiola's City revolution is an exciting prospect, though.
City Step Up Steven N'Zonzi Pursuit
According to Jack Gaughan of MailOnline, City are to step up their pursuit of Sevilla midfielder Steven N'Zonzi, with Guardiola keen to reinforce his midfield options.
The Etihad Stadium club are short in the middle of the park, with Ilkay Gundogan on the sidelines for a long spell with injury and Fernandinho to miss the next four games due to suspension. N'Zonzi is said to be in consideration to fill the void.
The Frenchman has experience of English football, having represented Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City. However, as we can see here, he's been superb since his switch to Spain:
Indeed, the 28-year-old has taken his game on to a different level under manager Jorge Sampaoli. The Sevilla boss has entrusted N'Zonzi with a key role at the heart of the team.
Sports journalist Rafael Hernandez believes the midfielder would be a good signing for City:
Given his previous associations with English clubs, plenty who follow City may consider this to be an underwhelming capture. However, N'Zonzi has made significant developments during his 18 months in Andalusia and would add both brawn and brains to the hub of the team.
According to Gaughan, there's a £25.6 million release clause in N'Zonzi's contract, a figure City shouldn't have any issue matching. Given his attributes, City's needs and his familiarity with the Premier League, this is a move that seems to make sense for all concerned.
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