Man City reach agreement with £34 million defender

Premier League champions Manchester City face League Two side Salford City in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. 

Pep Guardiola’s side have endured a frustrating season so far and currently sit sixth in the top flight table, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool who also have a game-in-hand.

The Citizens are also struggling in Europe where they sit 22nd in the Champions League table, with only the top eight teams qualifying automatically for the knockout stages and the following 16 sides having to go into a play-off.

Dropping points in their final two group phase matches – against Paris Saint-Germain and Club Brugge – could see City exit the competition entirely.

In the meantime, City are working to bolster Guardiola’s squad ahead of the second half of the season, and it appears they are edging closer to a deal for a new defender.

As per Fabrizio Romano, City have reached an agreement on personal terms with Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis.

It is claimed that City are now in talks with the Brazilian side to agree a deal, which is likely to cost the English side around £34 million.

Reis could be on his way to Manchester City this month

Reis is a product of Palmeiras’ youth academy and has played just 22 times for the club at senior level, but Romano claims that City are working hard to reach an agreement to sign the player.

The 18-year-old is under contract until the end of 2028 but it appears that City are trying to lure the player to Manchester this month.

Romano suggests that City are aiming to complete a deal for the central defender as quickly as possible, with several other clubs showing interest in the talented teenager.

If he does join Guardiola’s side, Reis will compete with the likes of John Stones, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji for a starting spot in the centre of defence.