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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joe Bray

Man City fans make defensive transfer choice amid Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire links

Manchester City fans want the club to go all out and sign Matthijs de Ligt this summer as they identified the centre-back as their preferred transfer target.

City are looking to replace Vincent Kompany, who leaves for Anderlecht after a trophy-laden 11-year spell at the Etihad, while reports say the club are also trying to bring in a new full-back.

Juventus' Joao Cancelo is widely reported to be the preferred option for City, with the Portugese full-back to provide cover for Kyle Walker - who is expected to sign a new contract soon. Danilo has been linked with an exit to either Juventus or Inter Milan.

At centre-back, De Ligt is available this summer but City will face competition from the likes of Barcelona and Man United to sign the highly-rated 19-year-old. Leicester's Harry Maguire has also been strongly linked and would fit Pep Guardiola's profile of signing players native to the country he is managing in.

Likewise, Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been named as a potential alternative at full-back.

But when MEN Sport asked fans which defensive target City should prioritise, the answer was overwhelmingly clear in favour of De Ligt.

Of 2,283 votes, 70% backed De Ligt, while Joao Cancelo emerged as the favoured right-back target.

Cancelo earned 16% of the vote, ahead of Maguire (8%) and Wan-Bissaka (6%).

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