Manchester City are leading the race to sign 21-year-old Spanish winger Alex Baena from Villarreal next year, according to reports.
As per Fichajes, City and Premier League rivals Liverpool are the two most interested clubs in Baena, who spent last season on loan at Spanish side Girona, where he scored five goals in 38 games.
The Spaniard returned to Villarreal in the summer and has become a regular under manager Unai Emery - registering six goals and two assists in 10 appearances so far this campaign. ALSO READ: Erling Haaland is already having an unseen impact on Man City attackers City are keen to tempt Baena to a move by offering him the opportunity to compete in the Champions League, with Villarreal playing in the Europa Conference League this term.
Elsewhere, El Chiringuito (relayed by 90min ) are reporting that City transfer target Jude Bellingham would prefer to join Real Madrid if he chooses to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer.