Federico Valverde in action for Real Madrid against Barcelona (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Manchester City and Liverpool are set to battle it out for the transfer of Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, despite his club not wanting to sell.
Valverde has been a star performer for Los Blancos in recent years and it makes sense that other big clubs would be interested in him, but also that the Uruguay international is seen as untouchable.
That’s pretty much the situation outlined in a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, who name Man City and Liverpool as suitors for Valverde, although it looks like a very ambitious deal to try and get.
City have a particular need in midfield at the moment, however, with Valverde possibly a good option for the club to consider to help fill it. the void left by the injured Rodri.
The Spain international has been a very important player for Pep Guardiola’s side, who recently won the Ballon d’Or as a reward for his contribution to the success of both City and his national team, but those looking buy City v Spurs tickets you won’t get a chance to see him in action this time.
City have clearly suffered without Rodri, recently losing four games in a row in all competitions, so someone like Valverde could be ideal to help the team.
However, Real certainly have no need to cash in on the sale of Valverde, so the power is in their hands and one imagines this will end up being something of a non-starter.
Who else could Manchester City look at to replace Rodri?
Still, the issue of replacing Rodri isn’t going away anytime soon, so City will surely have a few names in mind before January.
Martin Zubimendi could be one to watchas previously reported, with the 25-year-old Real Madrid man perhaps the most Rodri-like player in the game at the moment.
Zubimendi would surely have little trouble settling in at the Etihad Stadium, although then again he would surely have plenty of other suitors, with Liverpool and Arsenal also mentioned in recent times.
At the moment, City also have other internal solutions such as Mateo Kovacic or Ilkay Gundogan, but the last few games have not been easy for them and they will hope to make up for it when they return to the Premier League against Tottenham this weekend.
Guardiola’s side were recently beaten by Spurs in the Carabao Cup, but will now be looking for revenge, as well as a much-needed three points.
