Manchester City have entered discussions with Tottenham after being approached regarding a potential deal for Savinho. The Brazilian winger, who only joined the Blues last season, could be on the move again with Spurs showing interest.
According to the Manchester Evening News City are reluctant to part ways with Savinho, having acquired him from Troyes, a fellow City Football Group club, last season for an initial £21million in a deal that could rise to £33million. He was immediately integrated into the first team and frequently received praise from Pep Guardiola for his adaptation to the side, although he was advised there was room for improvement in his end product.
Signs of progress were evident at the Club World Cup, and Savinho provided an assist for Tijjani Reijnders in the 3-0 victory over Palermo on Saturday in City's final pre-season friendly. However, if Tottenham can negotiate a successful deal, it could have been the 21-year-old's final game for the club.
Despite City's hesitance to sell, Guardiola is not keen on retaining unhappy players and has generally expressed the need to reduce the squad size. If Savinho wishes to pursue a transfer, the club will not stand in his way.
However, they would demand a substantial fee for a player who still possesses immense potential and was one of La Liga's standout performers two years ago. It would require more than £50million for City to even contemplate a deal with Spurs or any other interested parties, the MEN reports.
Guardiola reiterated over the weekend that the Blues are unlikely to bring in new signings in the closing weeks of the window, with the focus instead shifting to departures. "A lot of players should leave. New players, I don't think so," he said.
"We need a little bit less. I don't like (lots) of players. One reason we sent Vitor Reis to Girona is for that. I love Vitor a lot and he has an incredible future but I don't want him staying at home every weekend. The transfer window is moving a lot and many things are going to happen. We'll see what happens and how we will handle it. We'll handle it as best as possible."