Date: 12th November 2022 at 2:37pm
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Manchester City’s defence of their Premier League title took a blow on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by Brentford at The Etihad. 

Ivan Toney had put the visitors ahead in Manchester, before Phil Foden equalised in first-half stoppage time.

Toney, who was left out of the England squad for the World Cup, then popped up with the winner deep into added time to give the Bees a memorable victory.

Pep Guardiola’s side could find themselves five points behind leaders Arsenal by Sunday morning, if The Gunners can beat Wolves at Molineux.

Guardiola looks set to use the January transfer window to further strengthen his squad in a bid to retain their title, and another target has now emerged.

According to Portuguese outlet The Record via The Manchester Evening News, The Citizens have entered into the race to sign Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.

The report claims that City are interested in the midfielder, who has impressed for his current side both domestically and in the Champions League this term.

City have reportedly sent scouts to watch the Argentine in action in Europe.

Guardiola wants a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan

The 21-year-old played a crucial part as Benfica topped Group H in the Champions League, finishing above European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain after a 6-1 win over Maccabi Haifa in the final round of matches.

Despite City’s interest, the player would reportedly cost a staggering £105 million if he were to be lured away from the Lisbon side.

The player has scored three goals and provided four assists in 23 games across all competitions so far this term.

He is contracted to the Portuguese side until 2027, though, which means that Benfica are under very little pressure to sell and can demand a higher fee.

City’s rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are also both believed to be interested in the midfielder, who has made two appearances for the Argentina senior side.

Fernandez joined Benfica from Argentine club River Plate over the summer and has since established himself as a regular for the Portuguese side.

City look set to lose midfielder Ilkay Gundogan next summer when the Germany international’s contract expires, and Fernandez could therefore be a useful replacement for the ex-Borussia Dortmund man.

 
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