Manchester City are reportedly “close” to signing Lens centre-back Abdelkodil Kusanov and are pursuing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmouche.
Guardiola is keen to use the winter transfer window to get his side’s season back on track.
city dwellersA poor month of form in November and December, with just one win in 11 games in all competitions, they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Tottenham Hotspur, falling well behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and facing The danger of elimination from the Champions League.
However, they have enjoyed a pretty convincing two-match win in a row, beating struggling Leicester City 2-0 at the King Power Stadium and then beating West Ham 4-1 at home, also courtesy of Julen Lopetegui’s final game as Hammers manager.
Manchester City remain 12 points behind Liverpoolthey also have a game against Merseyside rivals Everton.
Guardiola is prepared to splash out cash in January in a bid to close the gap on Arne Slott’s side.
The Premier League champion has Closely linked with Frankfurt striker Malmouche and Lens youngster Kusanov It looks like they will be signing both players this month.
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Malmouche will be a target given that City sold Julian Alvarez last summer without signing a replacement, and injuries to several centre-backs this season have prompted Guardiola to prioritize adding defensive depth. Welcome additions.
They are in talks with both players, with German transfer expert Patrick Berger saying City are “now on the verge of signing Kusanov from Lens”.
Berger said the 20-year-old Uzbekistan international was “keen on a move to England” after the Championship side made an offer of €50m (£41.8m) including bonuses.
Berger wrote on X: “Manchester City are now on the verge of signing Abdukhodir Kusanov. The Premier League club has today submitted a formal offer worth €50 million including bonuses.
The talented Lens centre-back is keen on a move to England, with Manchester City offering him a long-term deal. Manchester City’s next target will be Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmouche…”
There was plenty of fresh news on Thursday regarding Manchester City’s pursuit of Mamouche. sky germany Journalist Florian Plettenberg said “personal terms have been agreed” sufficient market Journalist Santi Ona said City would “meet Frankfurt’s demands”, something Fabrizio Romano also confirmed.
A summer move seemed more likely than a winter move this time last week, but Ona says Malmouche – Who is also linked to Liverpool – “Now I want to join the townsfolk”.
He wrote on
‘The verbal agreement is over. The players are very confident. The player now wants to join the City Citizens. “
Romano added: “Manchester City are ready to formally open talks on Omar Marmouche as a January target. According to @footmercato, discussions with the player are already underway.
Omar is keen on a move to Manchester City. Now it’s up to Manchester City and Eintracht Frankfurt, with the German club facing a big decision.
Plettenberg, meanwhile, reports that a “comprehensive verbal agreement” has been reached between the player and the English club.
He said: “Manchester City and Omar #Marmoush have reached a comprehensive verbal agreement! Personal terms all agreed! The 25-year-old top striker hopes to move to #MCFC immediately, where he is currently the number one target. #SGE has been informed. They are expected to receive a first offer from England by the weekend at the latest, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s offer worth €80m (£66.9m).
