Manchester City identify potential €100m Fernandinho successor

According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Manchester City have identified Napoli midfielder Allan as a target to bolster their midfield.

Pep Guardiola is keen to plan for life after Fernandinho in the middle of the park, with the Brazilian’s absence over the festive period keenly felt.

The 33-year-old’s timely return to fitness for the visit of Liverpool ensured that the Premier League holders didn’t lose touch with the Reds at the top of the table, but the club are understandably looking to the future given the Brazilian’s age.

In doing so their attention has been caught by Fernandinho’s compatriot Allan, who has been a key player for Serie A’s runners-up for a number of years since signing from Udinese.

The diminutive midfielder is a ball winning specialist, with the report (in Italian) claiming that the 28-year-old could set City back as much as €100m should they look to firm up their interest.

Since arriving in Naples in 2015 Allan has made almost 70 more tackles than any other player in Serie A (350), with an average of 4.2 per 90 minutes the most of players to have made ten starts in Italy’s top-flight this season.