Manchester City is interested in acquiring Florian Wirtz and might propose a trade involving James McAtee to Bayer Leverkusen.

City Eye Wirtz Swap Deal

Manchester City are reportedly considering a bold move to secure Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with James McAtee potentially being used as a makeweight in the deal, according to The Mirror.

The German playmaker has emerged as a prime target for City as they look to find a successor for the legendary Kevin De Bruyne. With De Bruyne’s contract set to expire this summer, Wirtz is viewed as the ideal replacement, and the inclusion of McAtee could help facilitate the transfer.

The Mirror states: “Manchester City hope to bring top target Florian Wirtz to the Etihad this summer – and could use James McAtee to do it.”

City are currently undergoing a significant rebuild under Pep Guardiola following a disappointing season that saw them drift away from the Premier League title race. A recent 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool has left them languishing 20 points behind the league leaders.

With the summer transfer window on the horizon, City are expected to be active in the market as they aim to re-establish themselves as title contenders. Wirtz, who has been dazzling in midfield under the guidance of Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, has quickly become their top target.

Interestingly, McAtee himself is on Leverkusen’s radar after they missed out on a loan deal in January. Their interest in the 22-year-old could prove pivotal in City’s pursuit of Wirtz, making a potential swap deal beneficial for both clubs.

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United Face Tough Transfer Decisions

Manchester United may soon find themselves in a precarious position regarding sell-on clauses, as rivals look to exploit the club’s financial woes, according to The Telegraph.

In light of their ongoing financial struggles, other clubs are reportedly prepared to offer cash up front to buy out these clauses, allowing them to retain a larger share of future transfer fees for former players.

The Telegraph explains: “Manchester United’s rivals are looking to take advantage of the financial crisis – and shocking transfer record – at Old Trafford by offering instant cash to buy ‘sell-on clauses’ for players who have left.”

United have a history of players thriving after departing the club, and while they have safeguarded themselves with clauses that entitle them to a percentage of profits from subsequent transfers, the current situation may force them to reconsider.

Multiple clubs are said to be weighing bids to have these clauses removed, which would provide them with immediate financial relief while easing United’s pressing financial concerns.

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Vivell Faces Budget Constraints at United

In a bid to improve their recruitment strategy, Manchester United have appointed Christopher Vivell as their director of recruitment on a permanent basis after a successful interim spell. However, The Athletic reports that Vivell will face significant challenges due to the club’s tight budget.

The website states: “Manchester United have appointed Christopher Vivell as director of recruitment on a full-time basis following his interim spell in the position.”

Vivell’s task is daunting; he is expected to steer United’s recruitment efforts towards greater success than they have seen over the past decade. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified the transfer market as a crucial area for improvement in order to bolster the club’s finances.

Having already influenced signings such as Sekou Kone, Vivell will need to identify players who can perform at a high level for United while adhering to strict budgetary constraints.

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Liverpool May Miss Out on Kimmich

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayern Munich’s versatile star Joshua Kimmich could be thwarted as speculation mounts around his future, particularly with Trent Alexander-Arnold linked to a move to Real Madrid.

Reports suggest that Liverpool are among several top clubs monitoring Kimmich, whose contract is also set to expire this summer. However, the Express indicates that he may be on the verge of signing a new deal with Bayern.

The paper notes: “Liverpool are at risk of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid this summer. And one of the players Anfield chiefs have reportedly earmarked as a candidate to replace him may soon be off the market.”

Kimmich, capable of playing both right-back and central midfield, has been a stalwart for Bayern since joining nearly a decade ago. With over 400 first-team appearances, eight Bundesliga titles, and a Champions League trophy to his name, he is one of the club’s longest-serving players.

If Kimmich does renew his contract, it would leave Liverpool scrambling for alternatives amid the looming threat of Alexander-Arnold’s departure. The Reds have already been linked with potential replacements, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Flamengo’s promising youngster Wesley, as they search for a new right-back.