Manchester City are looking to announce themselves on the January transfer market in a big way, by snatching Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic right from under the noses of rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Benfica destroyer has become one of the finest operators around since his move to Portugal in 2011 from Chelsea, in the deal that took David Luiz to Stamford Bridge.
Matic has been linked with a move back to the Premier League for a good while now, and we have covered this story ever since it’s inception, with Arsenal the last interested party reported to be unearthed.
Now however, we can add yet another name to the roster, with Portuguese newspaper ‘O Jogo‘ claiming that Manuel Pellegrini’s City are to move for the 26-year-old this January.
The Chilean manager has hinted that he may become an active party in the January window, if the right calibre of player becomes available.
‘Of course if we bring a new player here to City it is because he is a very good player,’ the 60-year-old said at a press conference two days ago,
‘In this squad, we have a high level to all the players so if we want to improve we must try to buy an important player,’
‘That is why it is not our first concern and we are not in a hurry to make a decision. We are just seeing two or three things but nothing important.’
The ‘O Jogo’ report goes on the say that Javi Garcia, also a former Benfica player, may be shipped out to accommodate any January signings.
Despite having a £45m release clause, it is thought that a potential buyer may only have to pay £25m-£30m to secure the player.
What do you think? Which English club would Matic suit most? Let me know in the comments below…
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