Manchester City could consider a summer move for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde as Pep Guardiola remains intent on strengthening the midfield.

According to Fichajes, Federico Valverde is the player that Pep Guardiola wants in his Manchester City midfield next summer. The Premier League giants are eager to bring someone fit enough for the tactical ideas of the team, as well as one who brings longevity to the table. Meanwhile, Real Madrid could use him in any potential deal for Erling Haaland.

Real Madrid are set to undergo a strategic change with their squad planning should star man Vinicius Junior leave the club next summer. The Brazilian forward has not signed a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, which has set alarm bells ringing over his long-term future.

A few reports in recent times covering Vinicius Junior’s situation even suggested Real Madrid could sell him to fund a move for Erling Haaland. Florentino Perez views the Norwegian striker as a direct replacement in the team for the winger, with the current story now stating Real Madrid could even use Federico Valverde to reduce the cost of the Haaland transfer.

Valverde is a player that Pep Guardiola so dearly likes for his Manchester City squad, as there is a need to continue building the midfield for the future. With Rodri showing plenty of fitness-related problems after his massive injury last year, Manchester City are now poised to make a summer move for the 27-year-old utility man.

Valverde’s ability to play multiple positions and his expertise in the central midfield role make him one of the formidable stars there. Manchester City had planned a summer move for the Uruguayan, but Real Madrid showed no intent to even consider offers for the 27-year-old utility man then.

Manchester City unlikely to sell Erling Haaland

Manchester City are aware of Real Madrid’s interest in Haaland, although they believe the Norwegian international is unlikely to leave anytime soon. On the Valverde chase, the Premier League giants are more than capable of launching an independent move for the Uruguayan midfielder, as they may not depend on sales to get the 27-year-old utility man to the Etihad.

Hence, in this case, Real Madrid are unlikely to show any signs of wanting to sell the Uruguayan international, as Perez does view him as an integral part of the present and future of this team. While the rumours are likely to linger on, the chances of Manchester City landing Valverde are remote to none at this point.