Man City could have two secret weapons in transfer chase for £51m summer signing

Manchester City are always looking for the next best thing in the transfer market, coupled with the best value possible for the club.

That doesn't necessarily mean they will only seek out bargains - like Manu Akanji or Stefan Ortega - but they are always keeping a close eye on the balance between a player ready to impact their first team and the value they are worth. Josko Gvardiol cost a huge £77m but he was heralded as a player for the next decade, and is justifying his signing after a fine debut season.

Jack Grealish cost £100m, but was offset by £60m in sales that summer, while Jeremy Doku's £55m purchase is looking better with every performance. Other signings, like Matheus Nunes, are taking longer to pay off, but on the whole City usually get it right.

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They know when to walk away from deals, too, even if it leaves them light. That stance has given them a firm reputation in the transfer market as tough talkers. A club who don't bluff and won't be bullied into paying over the odds for a player.

This summer could be more difficult when it comes to finding that balance. There is not as much money to spend, so clubs will know they are in a stronger position if they hold a player City want to sign.

So the tried-and-tested transfer market tactic of triggering release clauses of players might be the way forward this summer, rather than enter into protracted negotiations that have less chance of reaching the outcome City desire.

One name who hasn't moved far from City's in transfer gossip columns this summer is Spain's