Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has told Barcelona that he wants to sign Frenkie de Jong in exchange for Raheem Sterling, according to El Nacional.
What’s the story?
El Nacional are reporting that Barcelona want to sign Sterling from City in the January transfer window.
The defending Premier League champions are willing to sell the former Liverpool player for €50 million (£42.79m).
City manager Pep Guardiola has told Barcelona president Joan Laporta that he is willing to sell Sterling if he gets the right-footed De Jong.
Barcelona will not sell the 24-year-old midfielder for anything less than €70 million (£59.91m).
The La Liga club are not planning to sell the Netherlands international until new head coach Xavi has worked with him.
Frenkie de Jong would make Manchester City better
De Jong is a very good midfielder who is still only 24.
The Dutchman is technically very gifted and is very good on the ball.
Now, Sterling is a brilliant attacking midfielder, but the Englishman has fallen down the pecking order at City.
De Jong is still only 24, and Guardiola would make him better.
The Dutchman can operate as a defensive or attacking midfielder.
Barcelona’s official website states that De Jong’s “wonderful vision and natural ability to find the right pass mean he is the perfect choice as a central playmaker”.
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