'Man City open talks to sell Nico Gonzalez after Guardiola green light'

‘Man City open talks to sell Nico Gonzalez after Guardiola green light’

Nico Gonzalez’s agent has been speaking to a number of clubs about a move away from Man City as the club are open to his exit this summer.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that City are inviting offers for the 23-year-old just six months after his arrival.

Preliminary talks have already begun with a number of potential suitors, as clubs assess what it might take to sign the former Porto star this summer.

Meanwhile, City’s move to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan earlier in the window has accelerated the demand for the Spaniard’s exit as they aim to clear space in the side.

This comes after Pep Guardiola made it clear he wants to trim his squad this summer, with Gonzalez among a number of players the boss is open to letting go.

Brown told Football Insider in June that Guardiola is planning for a summer exodus with up to seven players on the list of potential sales at the Etihad.

Nico Gonzalez could be allowed to leave Man City. (Credit: Imago)

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Man City plan to accept Nico Gonzalez offer after agent talks

Brown first told Football Insider in February that Man City want to make five new signings to replace the ageing, inconsistent and injury prone players in their squad.

Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has explained that their focus has shifted towards moving players on after Guardiola’s instruction.

“Man City are inviting offers for Nico Gonzalez,” he told Football Insider.

“It’s a classic case of what I always warn against, they rushed to bring him in during the January window because they needed to plug a gap.

“Six months later, they’re looking to let him go because he’s not quite been what they expected.

“Whatever the reason for that is, it’s something clubs have got to be more careful of.

“Guardiola has made no secret of the fact he wants to cut down his squad this summer, and that in large part is due to how many they’re bringing in.

“They’ve already bought a new player in Gonzalez’s position, now it’s time to make the space.

“From what I hear, City have been testing the waters to find a buyer for him.

“His agent has been speaking to club to drum up the interest, and by all accounts it’s something all parties are working on doing.

“It’s an interesting one after just six months at the club, but they seem to have made their decision.”

Pep Guardiola is aiming to overhaul his squad. (Credit: Imago)

Denzel Dumfried, Tino Livramento, right-back update at the Etihad

Despite the focus at the Etihad shifting towards pushing players out of Guardiola’s squad, there are also key positions they still plan to strengthen.

Brown told Football Insider on 8 July that Man City want to sign Denzel Dumfries, as a new right-back is at the top of their shopping list following Kyle Walker’s exit.

The Netherlands international is widely believed to have a £21million release clause in his deal at the San Siro which can be activated by clubs outside of Serie A.

This comes after Football Insider revealed on 6 July that Newcastle are doing everything to keep Tino Livramento, who had been among City’s top targets, at the club.

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