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De Zerbi stance on Savinho amid Tottenham talks with Man City

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Fabrizio Romano details Roberto De Zerbi stance on Savinho transfer amid Tottenham talks with Man City - cityxtra.co.uk
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Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has identified Savinho a player his club “absolutely want”

De Zerbi needs “important players” up front who “add quality, not normal players”

A deal between Man City and Tottenham remains “on” with conversations “still active”, per Romano

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has identified Manchester City winger Savinho as a player his club absolutely want, with a deal remaining active and conversations between the two clubs still ongoing, as per a new report.

The 22-year-old signed a new contract with Manchester City until June 2031 as recently as October 2025, committing his future to the Etihad Stadium despite reported interest from Tottenham at that time – raising fresh questions over whether City will again seek to retain the Brazil international this summer.

Savinho joined Manchester City from fellow City Football Group club Troyes in July 2024, building on a breakthrough loan spell at Girona the previous season in which he contributed nine goals and ten assists across 37 appearances in the Spanish top flight.

His debut campaign in the Premier League saw him make 48 appearances under Pep Guardiola, registering three goals and 13 assists, with his direct running, dribbling ability and crossing quality making him one of the more distinctive weapons available to his manager on the right side of attack.

Romano: De Zerbi “absolutely wants” Savinho as deal remains on

According to Fabrizio Romano, Savinho is one player Spurs and their manager Roberto De Zerbi absolutely want,” with a deal remaining “on” and conversations between the two clubs still active – suggesting the pursuit has not stalled despite City’s public preference to retain a player they re-signed to a long-term contract less than a year ago.

Reports elsewhere have placed Tottenham’s offer in the region of £60 million for Savinho, a figure that sits significantly below the value City placed on the winger when awarding him a contract until 2031 – and one that would need to rise considerably before Manchester City’s hierarchy would consider opening any formal negotiations over a player they are not believed to have placed on the market.

De Zerbi’s willingness to speak so openly about a transfer target under contract at a rival club is unconventional, and may reflect both the urgency of Tottenham’s need to strengthen in wide areas and a calculated attempt to apply indirect pressure on Savinho himself by making his desire for the player part of the public record.

What does De Zerbi’s declaration mean for Man City?

Manchester City’s position on Savinho remains similar to that which existed when he signed his contract extension last October – the club regard him as a genuine first-team asset under director of football Hugo Viana and Maresca’s new structure, and are not understood to be actively seeking to sell.

The calculus shifts, however, if Savinho himself were to signal a desire for the move – a scenario that becomes more plausible the longer De Zerbi continues to make his admiration public and the more concrete Tottenham’s approach becomes behind the scenes.

The £116 million already committed to Elliot Anderson means Viana has significant resource already deployed this summer, and proceeds from a Savinho sale – if City were persuaded to agree – would provide meaningful additional funds for the remaining positions still identified as priorities before the window closes.

Whether De Zerbi’s public declaration of interest accelerates a resolution or simply adds noise to an already active situation will become clearer in the coming days – but with Romano confirming conversations are still ongoing, the story of Savinho’s summer at the Etihad Stadium is far from over.

Why Savinho to Spurs is on hold despite Man City sell stance

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Why Savinho to Spurs is on hold despite Man City sell stance - cityxtra.co.uk
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Tottenham were interested in Savinho last summer but were unsuccessful in their quest

Roberto De Zerbi’s side remains interested in the winger, with club-to-club negotiations ongoing

Savinho is in favour of a move to north London after frustrating 2025-26 season at Man City

Manchester City’s Savinho is keen on a move to Tottenham but the Blues must find a replacement before they can give the winger the green light for an exit, as per a new report.

Savinho joined Manchester City in the summer of 2024 for an initial fee of £21 million after an excellent loan spell at Girona, during which he scored 11 goals and provided ten assists in all competitions.

The budding starlet subsequently moved to the Etihad Stadium from French sister club Troyes and has since had patches of good form but struggled significantly with his output in sky blue.

The winger managed just seven league starts last campaign with a return of just two Premier League goal contributions. Whilst he certainly is a talented footballer, it is clear he needs minutes in order to develop and evolve as a player, something that Manchester City, due to their immense quality in forward areas, may struggle to provide.

Given his lack of first-team football of late, it is understandable that the former Girona man may want a new challenge, and according to reports, Tottenham Hotspur have rekindled their previous interest and are in hot pursuit.

Report: Savinho ready to join Spurs but Man City need replacement

According to Fabrizio Romano on YouTube, a move to the capital for the Brazilian is more than plausible, but the Manchester City hierarchy must have assurance of finding a replacement before formal steps of the transfer can be taken.

“I stand by my news. It was the end of May, June, and July. I maintain my information. Tottenham want Savinho. Tottenham will go for Savinho. There are negotiations ongoing club to club,” he explained.

“Savinho is very keen on a move to Tottenham. Savinho was already prepared to go to Tottenham one year ago. They wanted him in summer 2025. It was an exclusive story. I remember July 2025. Then the deal didn’t happen because City decided to keep Savio to offer him a new contract in September.”

“But now Savinho wants to go to Tottenham, and Tottenham are negotiating for Savinho with Man City. Then in order to get the green light for the move, Man City would need a replacement for Savinho.”

“That’s the point. But Tottenham are working on the Savinho deal – not today, not yesterday, but I told you in June, and I stand by my information. Tottenham and Savio, this remains the priority.”

Manchester City are yet to receive a formal bid from Tottenham Hotspur, nor has the arrival of a potential replacement been reported as of yet, but with negotiations ongoing between all parties, the departure of Savinho could be on the horizon in the coming weeks.

Man City recruiting wingers as Savinho nears £65M Spurs move

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Man City recruiting wingers as Savinho nears £65M Spurs move - cityxtra.co.uk
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Man City actively searching for winger additions as they close the sale of Savinho to Tottenham

Savinho is set to join Tottenham in a deal worth around £65M after frustrating 2025-26 season

The sale would represent a significant outlay from Spurs as they rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi

Manchester City are actively searching for winger reinforcements as they close in on the sale of Savinho to Tottenham Hotspur for around £65 million, as per a new report.

Savinho‘s departure from the Etihad Stadium has been increasingly anticipated throughout the summer, with Tottenham having named the Brazilian as their “chosen target” in the wide attacking position in recent days and the two clubs now understood to be approaching a conclusion to negotiations.

The £65 million fee being discussed would represent a significant return on a player who arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Girona on a permanent basis just over 12 months ago, and would provide director of football Hugo Viana with meaningful funds to reinvest in addressing the very gap that Savinho’s departure will create.

Tottenham’s pursuit of the Brazilian is the second time this summer that the north London club have successfully moved to sign a Manchester City player or a target City had identified, having already beaten Viana’s side to the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United earlier in the window.

The development confirms what the broader shape of Manchester City’s summer has consistently indicated – that the club are operating simultaneously on both sides of the market, with the proceeds of player sales being recycled into a recruitment drive that Viana and manager Enzo Maresca are conducting in parallel rather than sequentially.

Report: City close Savinho sale as winger search opens in earnest

According to Simon Jones of Mail Sport, Manchester City are looking for winger additions as they close the sale of Savinho to Tottenham for around £65 million – a formulation that places both pieces of business in active motion simultaneously rather than treating the sale as a prerequisite to the search.

That framing is significant, suggesting that Viana and his recruitment staff are already well advanced in assessing potential replacements and will not be entering the winger market from scratch once the Savinho deal is officially concluded.

The timing of City’s search aligns closely with the profile of wide attacker that Maresca has been understood to want since his appointment – a player capable of dribbling and creating chances through passes, a description that Savinho himself would have met but that the club are now tasked with finding elsewhere in a window that is already past its midpoint.

Manchester City’s interest in Francisco Trincão of Sporting CP has been previously reported, though direct talks with the Portuguese club have yet to be confirmed, with the Brazilian’s departure potentially accelerating whatever conversations are needed to identify and move for the right profile of wide player before the window closes.

What does Savinho’s £65M exit mean for Man City’s rebuild?

A fee of £65 million for a player of Savinho’s age and profile would be a broadly satisfactory outcome for Manchester City, providing Viana with a substantial injection of capital at precisely the moment the club need to address the winger position without having planned to do so from the outset of the summer.

The speed with which City have pivoted from resisting Savinho’s departure to actively searching for his replacement reflects the pragmatism that has characterised Viana’s approach to the market throughout the window – an understanding that when a club of Tottenham’s stature names a player as their chosen target and is prepared to pay £65 million to sign him, resisting that interest serves neither the player’s nor the club’s best interests.

For Maresca, the challenge is now to find a winger who can deliver the directness and creativity that Savinho brought to the squad whilst also fitting the precise technical profile the Italian has outlined as his requirement – a search that may well take the remainder of the summer window to complete given the competitive nature of the market for elite wide attackers at this stage of July.

Whether Manchester City move quickly to conclude a deal for a specific target or allow the winger search to extend into the final weeks of the window will depend largely on how rapidly the right option emerges from a market that has already been shaped significantly by the business both clubs have conducted this summer.

Savinho: Tottenham to step up Man City winger pursuit after WC

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Tottenham have moved to accelerate their pursuit of Man City winger Savinho

Savinho has been named as Spurs’ “chosen target” as they look to strengthen their attack

The Brazilian is open to leaving Man City this summer for regular first-team football

Tottenham Hotspur will accelerate their pursuit of Manchester City winger Savinho and named him their “chosen target” for the wide attacking position this summer, as per a new report.

Savinho‘s future at Manchester City has been one of the most closely watched situations of the summer window, with the Brazilian winger’s long-term role under Enzo Maresca remaining deliberately undefined as the new manager continues his comprehensive assessment of the squad he has inherited at the Etihad Stadium.

The 21-year-old has not lacked for suitors – Tottenham‘s interest in Savinho has been a persistent thread throughout the summer, with the north London club consistently linked with the Brazilian as they look to reshape their own attacking options ahead of a campaign in which they will be competing across multiple fronts.

What had previously been described as ongoing interest has now taken on a materially different character, however, with fresh reporting indicating that Spurs have moved beyond passive monitoring and into active acceleration of the pursuit – naming Savinho specifically as the player they intend to make their priority wide signing this summer.

That escalation arrives against the backdrop of a significant summer for Tottenham in the transfer market, with the club having already beaten Manchester City to the signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United and now seemingly setting their sights on a further addition directly from the Etihad Stadium’s playing staff.

Report: Spurs name Savinho “chosen target” as pursuit enters decisive phase

According to new reports, Tottenham will now accelerate a move to sign Savinho, with the Brazilian described explicitly as “the chosen target” – phrasing that suggests a clarity of intent from within the club that moves this well beyond the speculative interest that has defined coverage of the situation up to this point.

The specificity of the language is significant, implying that Spurs have narrowed their wide attacking search to Savinho alone rather than treating him as one option among several, and that the coming days are likely to see the club move into concrete discussions over a potential deal with Manchester City.

Director of football Hugo Viana will now be faced with a decision over whether to sanction a sale for a player whose qualities Maresca is clearly aware of from his time in the Premier League, and whose versatility – capable of playing across the front line and delivering in one-versus-one situations – makes him a genuinely difficult asset to replace in the same transfer window.

Savinho’s profile as a direct, explosive winger who can dribble and carry the ball forward at pace maps closely onto the type of wide attacker Maresca has been identified as wanting at the Etihad Stadium – raising the question of whether the club would look to retain him as part of the solution to their own winger search, or whether the financial return from a sale would be reinvested into an alternative target.

What does Tottenham’s acceleration mean for Man City’s summer?

The prospect of Savinho departing to a direct Premier League rival – particularly one that has already taken Tonali from a club City had previously targeted – adds a pointed edge to a situation that Viana and Maresca must now address with greater urgency than the measured pace of their summer recruitment has so far implied.

Any incoming fee from a Savinho sale would provide Viana with meaningful additional funds to address the remaining positions on his recruitment list, with the £116 million outlay on Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest having set the financial tone for a summer in which City have demonstrated a willingness to spend at scale when the right player is identified.

The timing of Tottenham’s move is also notable given that both clubs are navigating active and overlapping transfer strategies in the same positions, creating a direct competitive dynamic in the market that Spurs appear to be winning for the second time this summer – first with Tonali, now potentially with a player who spent last season on City’s books.

Whether Manchester City choose to engage with Tottenham’s interest or hold firm on Savinho’s availability under Maresca will now be among the most consequential decisions of the remainder of the summer window, with the Brazilian’s future at the Etihad Stadium set to be resolved one way or another as the window enters its most pressured final stages.

Tottenham Target Man City Keeper James Trafford

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Tottenham have entered the race to sign one of England’s most promising talents in James Trafford, positioning themselves to rival interest from long-time suitors Newcastle United.

Despite winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season, the 23-year-old remains behind Gianluigi Donnarumma at Manchester City.

With the goalkeeper currently at the World Cup and Enzo Maresca formally taking the reins at Manchester City, talks regarding a potential switch are imminent.

Manchester City could face transfer interest from Tottenham Hotspur around a potential deal for England international goalkeeper James Trafford.

Despite numerous names in the goalkeeping ranks, Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly keen on injecting further competition into his squad, with James Trafford’s profile as a home-grown talent with distribution fitting perfectly into his tactical setup.

Trafford has experienced a whirlwind 12 months at the Etihad Stadium having rejoined Manchester City from Burnley for £27 million via a buy-back clause, with the 23-year-old initially expected to become the club’s regular No.1 choice starter.

However, a late transfer window swoop for Paris Saint-Germain and Italian superstar Gianluigi Donnarumma saw Trafford restricted to just four Premier League starts under Pep Guardiola last season.

Despite playing back-up in the league, Trafford proved his immense value by starting and winning both the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal and the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley, demonstrating a temperament for the biggest of occasions.

Tottenham emerge in race to sign Trafford

Now, according to the information of The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal for Manchester City’s current second-choice goalkeeper James Trafford this summer.

A period of transition for Manchester City

The transfer saga comes at a time of immense transition at the Etihad Stadium amid the departure of Pep Guardiola and arrival of Enzo Maresca, who is set to hold definitive talks with Trafford to clarify his standing in the squad after duties with England.

Trafford, who is currently away with Thomas Tuchel’s side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has made no secret of his desire to play first-team football at the very top of the game on a regular basis, in an attempt to usurp Jordan Pickford as England’s definitive No.1.

Securing Trafford will not be an easy task for Tottenham’s hierarchy, with Newcastle United long-term admirers and having already initiated contact, while all of Brighton, Aston Villa, and Juventus are reportedly monitoring the situation.

With Manchester City demanding a hefty profit – likely in the region of £50 million to £60 million for a player whose contract runs until 2030 – Spurs will have to move decisively if they want to win the race for one of England’s brightest young stars.

Manchester City Reject Arsenal Approach For Tottenham Target Savinho

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Manchester City Reject Arsenal Approach For Tottenham Target Savinho - cityxtra.co.uk
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Arsenal have reportedly had a loan approach for Manchester City’s Savinho rejected.

The Brazilian winger is the subject of concrete interest from Tottenham for the second summer in a row.

High-ranking City officials rejected interest from Spurs last summer including a bid reportedly in the region of £70 million.

Arsenal have seen an enquiry over a potential loan deal for Savinho rejected by Manchester City, according to reports in Brazil.

The uncertainty clouding Savinho’s future at Manchester City has only intensified this summer following a sustained, multi-window pursuit from Tottenham Hotspur, who first attempted to secure the 22-year-old Brazilian international last summer.

Officials at Spurs saw an initial multi-million-pound proposal flatly rejected by key officials within the Manchester City hierarchy, with that stance believed to be spearheaded by chief executive officer Ferran Soriano.

However, after a fragmented 2025/26 campaign under Pep Guardiola – where a thigh injury and competition from Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo limited opportunities – Savinho is reportedly eyeing an exit from the Etihad Stadium in search of guaranteed minutes.

With talks between City and Tottenham having recently reactivated, the player is understood to be highly receptive to a fresh challenge in the capital under Roberto De Zerbi, leaving Sporting Director Hugo Viana scouring the market for wide replacements.

Arsenal pose short-lived threat to Spurs’ Savinho interest

Now, according to RTI Esporte, Tottenham have opened initial talks with Savinho’s entourage and with the City Football Group, in a potential move that is described as still being ‘in its preliminary stages’.

Representatives from Spurs are said to have also participated in a meeting with Manchester City officials to discuss potential deals, while North London rivals Arsenal have also been credited with an interest, having seen a loan enquiry quickly rejected.

As for Manchester City’s stance, it is suggested that they still consider Savinho an ‘important asset for the future’, but will negotiate a sale if an offer is deemed appropriate, having set a price close to €50 million to reflect projected growth and initial investment.

What will Man City do if Savinho leaves the club?

Manchester City’s summer recruitment drive has a focus on wide reinforcements, with links in recent months to the likes of Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande – who is also of serious interest to Liverpool.

While the club’s immediate focus remains locked on finalising a British-record deal for midfielder Elliot Anderson, Hugo Viana is concurrently laying groundwork for a marquee winger addition.

Pedro Porro Transfer: Tottenham Hand Man City Right

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Tottenham Hotspur have drawn a line in the sand regarding full-back Pedro Porro, knocking back early enquiries from Manchester City.

Having steered the club to Premier League safety on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign, manager Roberto De Zerbi views the defender as non-transferable.

Faced with a rigid price tag and North London resistance, the Etihad Stadium hierarchy may have to pivot their defensive recruitment focus.

Manchester City are likely to face an uphill battle in any transfer pursuit of Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro this summer, amid the stance taken by those in North London.

With the future of the right-back position flagged as an area needing reinforcement to supplement Matheus Nunes, City’s board had initiated contact via intermediate channels to explore bringing the 26-year-old Spaniard back to the club.

However, after narrowly escaping relegation into the Championship under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi – who took the position in the final weeks of the season – the Lilywhites are determined to reshape their identity without losing core assets.

Backed by the board and its new executive structure, Tottenham are seemingly prepared to block any approaches to ensure one of their star defenders is present when pre-season assembles from July onwards.

Tottenham aim to block Porro exit

According to transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi sees Pedro Porro as a crucial player for his set-up, and those within the North London club also do not want the Spaniard to leave this summer.

Even in the event of negotiating a move, Spurs are unlikely to shift below a £50 million baseline fee, and as such Hugo Viana must balance his budgets whilst keeping in mind other priority positions in the squad.

What are Man City’s other priorities this summer?

As the summer transfer market prepares to open, the Etihad Stadium’s recruiting team is already shifting focus toward younger specialist profiles at right-back who could seamlessly integrate into the squad long-term – with Marco Palestra getting mentions in Italian media.

Boardroom resources are already heavily occupied by primary negotiations elsewhere, with the club submitting a staggering £121 million package proposal to Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson this week – which was rejected by owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Savinho to Tottenham: Spurs Advancing in Blockbuster £60m Transfer Talks

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Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are actively negotiating a financial package that could see Savinho head to North London.

Talks are advancing significantly, with the overall valuation hovering around the £60 million mark.

In anticipation of a potential departure, City’s Sporting Director Hugo Viana is already compiling data on potential replacements, with an Everton star among the targets.

Manchester City could agree to a blockbuster transfer fee for the sale of highly-rated Brazilian winger Savinho to Tottenham this summer, according to new developments.

With the summer transfer window set to open on June 15, City’s incoming manager Enzo Maresca is working beside Hugo Viana to balance senior squad dynamics for the post-Pep Guardiola era.

While the Blues are keen to build a competitive set of players capable of wrestling the league crown from Arsenal, the chance to pocket a significant return on the 22-year-old attacker presents an incredibly fascinating business dilemma for the Etihad Stadium’s board.

For Manchester City, executing a high-value outgoing piece of business early ensures they will remain financially agile when their remaining first-team stars return to the City Football Academy for pre-season training in July.

Savinho moving closer to Tottenham transfer

Now, according to MailSport’s Simon Jones, Tottenham are currently advancing in talks over a deal worth around £60 million for Manchester City winger Savinho, with conversations currently centred around the structure of the deal.

It is insisted that any deal for the Brazilian will include add-ons and bonuses, while City will re-enter the transfer market to sign a new winger, with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye among those they are assessing.

Next steps on Savinho’s move to Spurs

Should the financial terms of a deal be formally finalised soon, the £60 million influx will give Hugo Viana a significant boost to his war chest to reshape Enzo Maresca’s forward line as the Italian requires.

Interest in Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye highlights what could be further proof of a shift toward proven Premier League quality, following on from the recruitment of Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo in January.

Tottenham Prepare Summer Transfer Bid for Man City Winger Savinho

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Tottenham are formalising their summer transfer strategy, partially aimed at testing Manchester City’s resolve for Savinho.

The Lilywhites have retained a tracking dossier on the young attacker for over 12 months, viewing him as an injection of pace for their front-three.

With somewhat of a squad overhaul underway at the Etihad Stadium, incoming manager Enzo Maresca must decide whether to integrate or monetise the young Brazilian.

Manchester City could receive an opening offer from Tottenham in the coming days for Brazilian winger Savinho, it has been reported.

The development concerning the Brazilian winger comes at a busy period of squad planning in East Manchester, where recruitment officials including sporting director Hugo Viana is working to clear out fringe elements while protecting their world-class foundation.

Among the talking points of the last few days is City’s rebuffing of claims surrounding a multi-million-pound move for Erling Haaland to Real Madrid according to presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, and managing midfield candidates like Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.

However, managing the depth across wide positions has emerged as a focal point for Maresca, especially with explosive stars like Jérémy Doku moving toward long-term security and veteran assets like Jack Grealish angling for permanent moves away.

Tottenham poised to launch offensive for Savinho

Now, according to Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas and Michael Bridge, Tottenham are considering making an offer for Manchester City’s Savinho.

The North London club have been ‘very interested’ in signing the Brazilian since last summer, and while it is pointed out that no direct approach to City has yet been made, one could come in the ‘next few days’.

How will Hugo Viana handle interest in Savinho?

Roberto De Zerbi is expected to demand elite wide players who can aggressively manipulate transition spaces, and his recruitment staff continue to view the young Brazilian as an ideal fit for his desired system.

However, as Manchester City hold a strong contractual position – with a deal running until summer 2031 – and are under no financial duress to capitulate to enquiries for Savinho, any formal proposal will need to be lucrative to even open serious lines of communication.

Man City Initiate Contact to Sign Tottenham Defender Pedro Porro

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Manchester City have registered interest in former asset Pedro Porro as they hunt for competition and support to Matheus Nunes in the right-back position.

Etihad Stadium officials want to initiate formal negotiations and seal a transfer before the player jets off for World Cup duty this summer.

Tottenham have reportedly drawn a line in the sand, informing City that it will require a baseline fee of £50 million to even open talks.

Manchester City are looking towards Tottenham for defensive recruitment this summer, according to emerging reports from Spain.

As incoming manager Enzo Maresca and Sporting Director Hugo Viana begin reshaping the squad profile, fixing defensive depth has seemingly become an immediate priority among other areas in the roster.

Following a highly competitive season where Manchester City fell just short of reclaiming the Premier League title, the board is seemingly determined to provide Maresca with high-level options to get the post-Pep Guardiola era off to a flying start.

The pursuit of a right-back comes amid widespread dressing room evolution following the historic conclusion of Guardiola’s decade-long era. Long-serving legends like John Stones and Bernardo Silva are moving on, while the likes of Nico Gonzalez are assessing options.

While City’s team remain locked in discussions for other targets like Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, adding elite width down the right flank has emerged as a vital summer objective.

Manchester City’s right-back search in the Premier League

Now, according to AS’ Jorge Garcia, whilst Tottenham have held talks with their Spanish full-back Pedro Porro over a new contract beyond 2028, Manchester City have initiated contact to try and secure a transfer – and possibly before the World Cup.

It is claimed that both the player and Tottenham themselves are aware of City’s interest in the defender, although the North London club are not wanting to lose one of their most important players.

As such, it is insisted that ‘a significant effort will be required’ if City are to sign the midfielder, with Spurs having already set a starting price of £50 million.

The difficulty in recruiting from Tottenham

Securing Pedro Porro’s signature will likely require Hugo Viana to flex his financial muscle and navigate Tottenham’s notoriously uncompromising boardroom stance when it comes to sales to direct competitors.

Porro has evolved into one of the most prominent attacking full-backs in Europe, making him a potentially seamless fit for the style Maresca intends to implement at Manchester City.

However, with Matheus Nunes having performed to such a high standard this season and proving his suitability to the right-back role himself, City will have to decide whether to meet the £50 million asking price for Pedro Porro immediately or engage in a summer standoff.