Italian giants Juventus have reportedly joined the race for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, striking a blow to Manchester City's chances of signing him.
City strengthened their defence significantly in the summer with the signings of Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias but were unable to get a new left-back in before the deadline.
The continued poor performances of Benjamin Mendy so far this season, along with Aleks Zinchenko's fitness problems, meant the Blues considered reinforcing the position.
Ajax's Argentine Nicolas Tagliafico was looked at but any move would have depended on Zinchenko leaving the Etihad, which didn't come to pass.
Although City, unless the circumstances align perfectly, don't tend to do business in January it has been reported that they may move to finally bring in a new left-back in the new year.
While Tagliafico would likely remain a target, Austrian Alaba is also a player which has been heavily linked with a move to City recently. The versatile defender tends to play in the middle for the Bundesliga champions these days but is still more than capable of playing on the left and his contract will expire in Bavaria this coming summer.
The 28-year-old looks no closer to signing a new deal and could be an interesting prospect for City at a cut-price in January or even as a free in the summer.
However, according to Sportmediaset, they will face some stiff competition from Juventus. It's reported that the Serie A champions are already in advanced negotiations with Alaba's entourage and are confident that he won't be remaining at the Alianz Arena.
It's claimed that Juve could even sign him in January as they have good relations with Bayern after the transfer of Douglas Costa.
Elsewhere, Barcelona have a deal in place for Eric Garcia in January, according to reports.
Pep Guardiola has made it clear that the Spanish defender does not intent to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season, with City and a return to Barcelona is expected.
The Catalonians were keen to sign him in the summer but refused to meet City's valuation, leaving Garcia to see out his final season in Manchester. Mundo Deportivo report, however, that there is an agreement between the centre-back and Barca, though it's not clear if that's for a pre-contract agreement or if they will attempt to sign him again when the window re-opens.
