Manchester City have made contact with the representatives of RB Leipzig attacking-midfielder Christopher Nkunku, as they target a swoop for the Frenchman.
That is according to a report in Germany by SportBILD, as cited by Sport Witness, who claim that City have made enquiries into the possibility of bringing Nkunku to the Etihad Stadium.
The 23-year-old, who netted a hat-trick for Leipzig in their 6-3 defeat to City at the Etihad Stadium in the UEFA Champions League back in September, has been in sensational form so far this season, scoring 11 goals and racking up seven assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.
Seemingly, his performances have captured the interest of City. It is reported that the reigning Premier League title holders if they were to launch an official move for Nkunku's services, would have to negotiate a fee with Leipzig as the attacking-midfield ace does not have a release clause in his contract.
Whilst that is unusual for a Leipzig player, it could bolster City's chances of signing the former Paris Saint-Germain ace by negotiating a respectable price with the Bundesliga club.
Nkunku, who is said to be attracting interest from right across Europe as his performances continue to go from strength to strength, joined Leipzig in 2019 and has scored 23 goals in 101 appearances.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are ready to make a January swoop for City winger Riyad Mahrez, a report by SPORT claims.
It is reported that the Algerian, who joined the Blues from Leicester City in July 2018, wants to leave the club.
Mahrez, who, despite scoring eight goals in 15 appearances in all competitions so far this season, has not been as frequently involved as he would have liked so far this term, starting just two of City's 11 Premier League games so far this season, suggesting that reduced opportunities could be a key reason behind his reported wish to leave the club.
It is claimed that Barcelona are now looking into the possibility of signing the winger, with new manager Xavi likely to try and put his own stamp on his squad in January, although finances will dictate what the La Liga giants can and cannot do.
Signing a new attacker is likely to be a priority in January for the Spanish club, but it has not been reported if Barcelona will look to sign Mahrez on a permanent deal or on loan.
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