Manchester City Transfer News: Fresh Ederson Rumours, Djibril Sidibe Latest

Manchester City are reportedly close to securing the transfer of Benfica goalkeeper Ederson after manager Pep Guardiola personally called the stopper regarding a deal. Elsewhere, AS Monaco's Djibril Sidibe has opened up on his chances of a future move.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola (h/t Metro's Chris Davie), the Citizens are in talks to seal Ederson's transfer for a fee around €35 million to €40 million (£30 million to £34.6 million).

City's goalkeeper spot is in a state of uncertainty after summer signing Claudio Bravo lost his place to reserve stopper Willy Caballero, who has only received his chance after former No. 1 Joe Hart was sent to Torino on loan.

Although Ederson is still in his formative years as a senior footballer, it's more than likely part of his high fee is due to the presence of a sell-on clause from his previous club, recently explained by Metro's Primeira Liga expert Jan Hagen:

It's mentioned by Davie that a goalkeeper spot will likely become available in the event that Hart looks to leave the Etihad Stadium on permanent terms as is expected, opening up the space needed for Ederson to arrive.

The 23-year-old is gradually gathering his reputation as a shot-stopper of elite standards, and his promising form this season was recently rewarded with his first Brazil call-up, per ESPN FC's Jack Lang:

Guardiola took the initiative to call Gabriel Jesus before sealing his signature last summer—although the move wasn't official until January—and he'll be hoping to have a similar effect in pursuit of Ederson.

Meanwhile, Monaco full-back Sidibe has quietened talk of his potential departure from the Stade Louis II after telling French radio station RMC (h/t TalkSport) he wishes to find first-team guarantees wherever he moves:

"

As a player, it is always exciting to play against the best, in the best league. Today, I am lucky to play at Monaco, in a good team. We are playing in the Champions League, we are scoring lots of goals, we are still in all the competitions.

This risk, in terms of going to a big club, is to become a substitute, to go backwards, to be loaned out. It is always difficult. My criteria is playing time.

Aside from that, if a club that one simply does not refuse wants me and is guaranteeing me considerable playing time, then I will think about it.

"

Sidibe went on to discuss his intention to "become one of the best in the world" in his position at full-back, an aim that's been served well in a season that's seen his side reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Tom Coast of Sport Witness recently spoke of the interest being gathered by players at the Stade Louis II following a hugely successful season so far, one that could lead to a player exodus at the end of the campaign:

That being said, Ligue 1's current leaders will undoubtedly do all they can to convince their stars to remain on the French Riviera, even if the big-spending elite of City's calibre come calling.

Guardiola will have need of full-back reinforcements in the near future as Pablo Zabaleta, 32, Bacary Sagna, 34, and Gael Clichy, 31, edge further into their later years, and Sidibe, 24, could be the solution to the Spaniard's woes.