Manchester City are interested in signing £30 million Italy international Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo, agent Stefano Castelnuovo has told Sport Italia, via Calciomercato.
This isn’t the first time the 23-year-old’s representative has spoken to the press this week.
And, on both occasions, Castelnuovo has offered an intriguing insight into the future of one of Serie A’s rising stars.
Speaking to the Daily Mail a few days ago, he suggested Locatelli would welcome a move away from Sassuolo at the end of the season, with the chance to prove himself in another major European league holding plenty of appeal.
That was music to the ears of a Man City side that has apparently identified the former AC Milan youngster as its top midfield target, regardless of Locatelli’s hefty £30 million price tag.
And on Friday, Castelnuovo went one step further, admitting Pep Guardiola’s side were indeed keen to bring the six-time Italy international to the Etihad.
“In the January transfer market, Sassuolo will hardly sell the player. Manchester City is one of the teams that is monitoring him for the next market (the summer),” he said.
Castelnuovo’s comments reflect those of Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali, who insisted Locatelli won’t be sold midway through the season.
Sassuolo coach Roberto di Zerbi has been likened to Guardiola for his intense, free-flowing football – the Man City manager has even spoken in glowing terms about one of Serie A’s most entertaining teams.
So you’d imagine Locatelli would have few problems adapting from Di Zerbi-ball to Guardiola’s fabled approach.
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