- Manchester City could hijack a major Manchester United transfer deal
- Real Madrid starlet Marco Asensio is said to be tempted after an offer from Pep Guardiola
- Asensio has not played regularly for Real this season and could ask to leave
- WATCH: Marco Asensio shows why Man Utd want him with sublime half-volley
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly held initial talks with Real Madrid attacking midfielder and Manchester United target Marco Asensio over a transfer.
The Spain international has impressed as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents this year, though he has recently struggled to get significant playing opportunities in Zinedine Zidane’s side.
This led to recent reports that United had made a stunning £177million bid to Real for Asensio, according to Don Balon, though they may now face competition for his signature.
Diario Gol claim that negotiations have taken place that have led City to offering Asensio even more money than he’s on at the Bernabeu, leading to the 21-year-old to seriously question his future.
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The report claims Asensio is set to make Real Madrid president Florentino Perez aware of the offer as he is clearly tempted to make the move to the Etihad Stadium.
Asensio looks a player ideal for Guardiola’s style of play, though the Spanish tactician arguably already has a large number of similar players in his squad.
Bernardo Silva only just joined City from Monaco this summer but has struggled to get into the team due to the presence of the likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling in that area of the pitch.
Asensio could be an ideal long-term replacement for David Silva in that creative midfield role, but Real surely won’t risk losing such a top youngster after the sloppy performances of ageing stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema this season.