Manchester City have reportedly drawn up a four-man shortlist of right-back targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
With new sporting director Hugo Viana now working alongside outgoing chief Txiki Begiristain during a transition period, the Citizens’ hierarchy are currently focus primarily on a much-anticipated squad rebuild that could include several incomings and outgoings.
Man City spent around £180m on four new signings in January and they will also have cash to splash this summer as they target a swift return to the summit of English and European football having endured a turbulent, injury-hit 2024-25 campaign.
While the addition of at least one midfielder is expected at the Etihad Stadium, with Kevin De Bruyne leaving upon the expiration of his contract, City have also been tipped to strengthen their options in the full-back department.
Kyle Walker joined AC Milan on loan in January after requesting to leave Man City and the Serie A giants have the option to sign the 34-year-old on a permanent deal this summer for €5m (£4.2m).
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Walker out, Livramento in at Man City?
There have been recent reports suggesting that Milan are prepared to sign Walker permanently, but even if their stance on the Englishman changes, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the experienced defender ‘will 100% leave’ Man City this summer.
As a result, Romano adds that the Citizens have added four right-backs to their summer transfer shortlist and the club are set to decide on their preferred target ahead of participating at the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins in the middle of June.
One of those targets said to be under consideration by Man City is Newcastle United‘s Valentino Livramento, who has impressed at both right-back and left-back for Eddie Howe‘s side this season.
The 22-year-old joined the Magpies from Southampton in August 2023 for an initial £32m plus add-ons, having previously worked his way through Chelsea’s academy system.
Livramento initially had to play second fiddle to Kieran Trippier at right-back, but he has since established himself as a first-team regular at St James’ Park this season, making 43 appearances in all competitions including 35 Premier League outings.
The one-cap England international still has three years remaining on his contract at Newcastle, who ideally want to keep hold of the defender.
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Who else is on Man City’s full-back shortlist?
Meanwhile, it is understood that Juventus‘ Andrea Cambiaso remains on Man City’s radar after they considered a move for the 25-year-old in January.
The versatile full-back, who has primarily operated at left-back this season, is thought to be valued by Juve at around £65m, which could be a similar fee that Newcastle demand for Livramento.
Man City have also been credited with an interest in two cheaper alternatives in the form of Cambiaso’s Juve teammate Nicolo Savona and Flamengo‘s Wesley.
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna claims that Pep Guardiola‘s side have verbally agreed personal terms with 22-year-old Savona, while separate reports state that City will rival Liverpool for the signature of 21-year-old Wesley and will push to sign him before the Club World Cup.
