HITC Sport understands the Portuguese is wanted this month by the Citizens.
Manchester City have made moves to land Sporting Lisbon star William Carvalho, HITC Sport understands.
The 24-year-old is one of Sporting’s prized assets and has been linked to England for a number of years, but deals have never come off.
West Bromwich Albion made a shock move for the player earlier this month bidding close to £20million, but that was some way off the £30million that Sporting’s out-spoken president Bruno de Carvalho was looking for.
HITC Sport understands there has also been interest from the Chinese Super League, but the player is not massively keen on a switch to the Far East – although they would be willing to out bid City.
Portugal’s William Carvalho
City’s talks have been handled by Guardiola’s agent brother Pere, who has held talks with Sporting about the move – but City would also come up short of Sporting’s valuation.
However, with City’s form faltering and glaring lack of midfield options – which meant Pablo Zabaleta played in the middle of the park at the weekend – the Sky Blues could push ahead with a bigger bid.
Carvalho, who has come through the youth ranks at the Jose Alvalade, playing over 150 times for the club and has been capped nearly 30 times by Portugal. He was part of their side which won the European Championship last summer.
Portugal’s William Carvalho in action with Austria’s David Alaba
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