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Manchester City Interested In Signing Exciting Defender From Premier League Rivals

Michael Kayode brentford manchester city

Manchester City are considering a move for Brentford fullback Michael Kayode as Pep Guardiola looks to solve City’s defensive issues.

Twenty-one-year old defender Kayode has quickly become one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League.

The Italian youth international has made rapid progress since joining Brentford from Fiorentina last season.

He has already made 37 total appearances for the Bees in a season and a half in West London.

And his excellent performances have not gone unnoticed.

Premier League giants Manchester City have kept one eye on Kayode since his arrival in England.

But it now appears that Pep Guardiola is ready to bring the young fullback to the Etihad.

City’s injury issues have made the need for reinforcements obvious.

In Kayode, they would be recruiting a technically gifted, intelligent player with pace and discipline on both sides of the ball.

No formal approach has yet been made, but City’s interest is concrete and long-term.

The club have already brought in Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo this window.

City confirmed the deal this week, with Semenyo’s shirt number set to be the same as club legend Yaya Toure.

Brentford Will Not Sell Kayode To Man City Cheaply

While not setting the ground alight, having not registered a goal or assists this season, Kayode’s quality comes from his consistency.

Defensively rock-solid, he is mature beyond his years and has pocketed numerous elite forwards, time and time again.

Primarily a right-back, he can also play on the left, and even push forward into a wide midfield role if required.

Brentford will not let their man go easily, however.

Keith Andrews has worked wonders this season, lifting his side to a record-high fifth in the Premier League.

With four years left on Kayode’s deal, the club are under no pressure to sell.

It would therefore take a bid well in excess of the reported £18 million paid to Fiorentina last summer for Brentford to consider a deal.

Early indications are that any offer would need to be closer to £40 million, given Brentford’s strong position and desire to extract maximum value.

City Face Stiff Competition For Brentford Star

Manchester City aren’t the only Premier League side interested in Kayode either.

Both Newcastle and Tottenham are long-term admirers, and may be inclined to make a move in the summer.

On the continent, Bundesliga juggernauts Bayern Munich have been keeping tabs on the defender.

And a return to Italy is not out of the question, with Juventus and Inter Milan also keen.

With so many clubs eyeing Kayode, it only strengthens Brentford’s position around the negotiating table.

Given they are more than happy to keep one of their top young talents, they can afford to be patient.

If half a dozen top clubs try and outbid each other, Brentford can cash in on a hugely profitable sale and reinvest.

If not, they will retain one of the most promising defenders in the league, whose value will only increase.

Should Manchester City Sign Michael Kayode?

As for if City should pull the trigger and sign Kayode, there are plenty of arguments in favour.

At 21, he would not be a guaranteed starter. But his potential and age profile mean he would be able to develop into a truly elite player at the Etihad.

And given City’s lack of depth in his position, signing a specialist right-back with Premier League experience seems a smart move.

But forking out close to £40 million for someone who will likely warm the bench for at least the first year is perhaps excessive.

Furthermore, while Kayode would no doubt love to join a club like City, he may look elsewhere if other top sides can offer more guaranteed playing time.

Brentford hold all the power in this one, though. And if City want their man, they will have to accept whatever price tag is set by his current club.

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