Pep Guardiola Looking To Replace Kompany With £60m-Rated Signing
Reuters / Phil Noble
Premier League biggies Manchester City failed to add a notable central defender to their squad this summer, but the club has already identified the player they could rope in to add more strength in the given position.
In the summer transfer window, City were interested in getting West Bromwich Albion skipper Jonny Evans, but no deal materialised. With their club captain Vincent Kompany often nursing injuries, manager Pep Guardiola is keen to add a cover and get a suitable player with bags of experience in the Premier League.
And now, the Citizens have identified Tottenham Hotspur star Toby Alderweireld as their prime target. According to The Sun, the Mancunian club is monitoring Toby’s situation at Tottenham, as he is yet to sign a contract extension, with an agreement not met up till now.
Alderweireld is Kompany’s teammate in the Belgian national side, and has been a rock for Spurs in recent years. If he fails to sign an extension with the London outfit, City could lure the player in, especially after having signed his ex-teammate Kyle Walker earlier this summer.
Meanwhile, Kompany has seen injuries get the better of him in the past few seasons, and despite featuring for the club in their first three Premier League encounters, he suffered a calf injury during the World Cup qualifiers whilst on international duty. He has always been a sturdy defender, though, and Pep wants a strong player to fill his void.
Reuters / Dylan Martinez
Alderweireld’s current contract with Spurs lasts till 2020, and a big sum will be needed to land him to the blue half of Manchester. City’s defensive options in the centre look pretty thin at the moment, with only John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi being their prime faces besides Kompany.
Eliaquim Mangala is likely to be used this season as a fall-back option, and Pep will be happy to let him go next year. This leaves the club in search for at least two notable names, and the Belgian star is emerging out to be their prime target.
Written by Rajdeep Saha 
Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.