Manchester City to battle Barcelona to sign key transfer target who played under Pep Guardiola before

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Manchester City are ready to battle Barcelona in the race for Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.

Current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola brought through Joshua Kimmich during the Spaniard’s time at the Allianz Arena and he could be set to reunite with the German midfielder.

Sources have confirmed to HITC that Kimmich grew unsettled under Thomas Tuchel but with the former Chelsea boss leaving Bavaria, there is fresh hope from the Bundesliga giants that the midfielder will renew his contract, which has just 12 months to run on it.

However, because the midfielder has 12 months left on his contract, he is understood to be assessing his options ahead of his next career move.

City keen on Kimmich

HITC understands that Kimmich has options in England and Spain as he prepares to make a crucial transfer decision.

Guardiola is a huge fan of Kimmich and the German midfielder has admitted in the past that the City manager is someone that he regards as one of the biggest influences on his career in Germany.

City are understood to be ready to offer Kimmich a chance to play in the Premier League but former Bayern manager Hansi Flick could scupper their plans if he gets his way.

This season for Bayern, Kimmich has made 28 Bundesliga appearances for the Bavarian side and he has scored one goal and provided a further six assists. It hasn’t been a good season for Bayern, however, as Bayer Leverkusen took the Bundesliga title.

Barcelona ready to throw spanner in the works

As mentioned Flick could play a key role in determining where Kimmich goes as Barcelona are keen on the experienced defensive midfielder. Flick was confirmed as manager of Barcelona this week.

Despite only being in the door for a couple of days, Flick is understood to have made it clear to Barcelona’s hierarchy that they should make landing Kimmich one of their top priorities.

The choice will ultimately be down to Kimmich as to who he chooses.