Kevin de Bruyne successor? Man City exploring deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen

 As reported by Relevo journalist Matteo Moretto, City have "inquired about the situation" of Wirtz. The 20-year-old midfielder is understood to be keen to work with Guardiola, but a move for him would not be easy to pull off.

Following confirmation that Kevin de Bruyne will be out of action for up to five months with a serious hamstring injury, City are stepping up their search for a new attacking midfielder.

Wirtz is one of the young gems of European football and could be De Bruyne's long-term successor. He's versatile too, so could be a decent replacement for departed right winger Riyad Mahrez, were he to be needed on the right flank.

City won't find it easy to prise Wirtz away from Leverkusen as he has four years left on his contract. The treble-winners are confident of signing winger Jeremey Doku from Stade Rennes but would like to bring in another attacking option.