Man City now in contact for £29m DM who is Switzerland’s “greatest talent”

Manchester City have now made contact over a summer move for a defensive midfielder, who was recently named his league’s Player of the Season, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Guardiola’s Man City rebuild about to get underway

The shock FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace will sting, with Man City also falling way below expectations in the Premier League, but ultimately one of the most important objectives was to qualify for the Champions League, and they just about managed to get over the line.

As such, Pep Guardiola’s rebuild can now begin this summer, and one of the manager’s most important tasks will be to bring in a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, while there may also be a desire to find a suitable long-term heir for Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan is expected to remain at the Etihad Stadium beyond the summer, and the German believes he has a lot left to give, saying: “Honestly, I want to play football for several more years, because I feel absolutely ready, very fit, and I take care of my body. I feel I really enjoy football: not just another year, but at least two years, maybe even three or four.”

However, the midfielder is now 34-years-old, so Guardiola may be keen on a younger option in the engine room, and Plettenberg has now revealed that Man City have added Club Brugge holding midfielder Ardon Jashari to their summer transfer shortlist.

In fact, such is their level of interest, City have already made contact over a deal for Jashari, who was recently named as the Jupiler Pro League’s Player of the Season.

Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also in the race for the midfielder, with Brugge thought to value him at more than €35m (£29m).

Jashari could be ideal Gundogan heir

While Gundogan has often featured in a slightly deeper midfield role throughout his career, he is well-known for his attacking contributions, having scored 63 goals for the Blues, and the Brugge star also excels on the front foot alongside his defensive duties.

Indeed, the 22-year-old ranks in the top 10% for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to other midfielders, while the maestro’s passing ability could make him an ideal fit in Guardiola’s system.

Not only that, but the central midfielder has been lauded by FC Luzern coach Mario Frick, who said: “For me, Jashari is the greatest talent in Switzerland. He’s really good!”

Jashari is yet to prove himself in a major European league, which means it would be a game for Man City to sign the Swiss midfielder, but having scooped up the Player of the Season award, it is clear he is now ready to take the next step in his career.