Man City step up interest in Barcelona star

The January transfer window is now officially open for Premier League clubs, giving them the opportunity to bolster their squads ahead of the second half of the season. 

Teams at both ends of the table will likely be active in the market, and reigning champions Manchester City could move to bolster Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The Citizens have struggled so far this term and currently sit sixth in the top flight standings, 14 points behind leaders Liverpool who also have a game-in-hand.

With that in mind, it appears that City are stepping up their pursuit of a La Liga star.

As per Football Insider, the reigning champions are accelerating their pursuit of Barcelona’s Dani Olmo, in the wake of the Spanish side having their efforts to register the player rejected.

Olmo, 26, joined Barcelona from German side RB Leipzig over the summer, but has not yet been registered to play in La Liga as the club are struggling to ensure they adhere to the division’s wage cap.

Olmo faces an uncertain future at Barcelona

The Spaniard – who played a key role for his country as they won the Euros over the summer – has scored six goals in 15 matches for Barcelona since joining the club, as well as providing one assist.

Uncertainty surrounding the attacking midfielder’s future in Catalonia has alerted Premier League clubs, the report claims, who could look to sign the player this month.

It is also claimed that City in particular have shown interest in the Spain international, identifying him as a possible long-term successor to influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian is in the final year of his contract with City and has been heavily linked with a move away from The Etihad, with Saudi Arabia touted as one possible destination.

It is suggested that De Bruyne could even depart City this month, however the club will not allow him to do so without sourcing a suitable replacement.