Man City and Leicester 'hatch plan for Argentinian wonderkid' and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are leading the race to sign Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco and plan to send him to Leicester on loan, according to reports.

Barco has enjoyed an exciting rise to prominence in Argentina and attracted plenty of attention for his performances in the Copa Libertadores final, despite his Boca side losing to Brazilian outfit Fluminense. The 19-year-old has ling been a target for Brighton, who boast an outstanding record of signing South American talent, but City have since joined the race.

And according to the Sun, Pep Guardiola's side look set to secure a deal worth around £13million for the Argentinian. But with no rush to get him playing top-level football, the Catalan is planning to ship him out to former assistant coach Enzo Maresca at Leicester.

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The report does not specify whether a deal will be completed in January or the summer but it does state that either way, Barco will likely head to the King Power Stadium. Leicester could be a Premier League side come summer as they sit comfortably at the top of the Championship, following last season's relegation.

Elsewhere, French outlet Footmercato reports that Kalvin Phillips is on a three-man midfield shortlist at Juventus.

Max Allegri is keen to strengthen in central midfield during the January transfer window as he looks to regain the momentum for a Serie A title challenge. The Italian side will likely take someone on loan for the second-half of the campaign and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is thought to have been in England speaking to potential targets.

The report states that Giuntoli spoke with