Man City have a straightforward decision over Julian Alvarez arrival

Manchester City will not face any restrictions on bringing Julian Alvarez to the Etihad should they complete a transfer for the striker.

The Blues are understood to be close to sealing a deal for the River Plate forward despite competition from a number of top European clubs, including AC Milan. If they win the chase, there will be no hurdles to negotiate to incorporate him into Pep Guardiola's squad.

A change to work permit rules following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union has made it more straightforward for British clubs to sign players from South America, as shown by City signing Brazilian teenager Kayky last summer. Alvarez is so established in Argentina that while he doesn't automatically qualify for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from the FA, the 21-year-old easily passes the threshold to receive one.

City's lean squad - despite the perception of it - means that Txiki Begiristain would not have to move players on to fit Alvarez into the squad at City.

The Blues can register a maximum of 17 players in their Premier League and Champions League squads that do not count as homegrown, as Alvarez wouldn't. With the departure of Ferran Torres, they currently have 13 on their books.

That leaves space for four, meaning that even if City land their top target Erling Haaland (who also would not qualify as homegrown) and even if Haaland is followed by one or two more major additions from abroad in the summer window there will still be room for Alvarez to be included.

That doesn't mean the Argentine striker will make up part of Guardiola's squad if a deal is completed, with a loan deal seen at this stage as a likely option for Alvarez should he arrive in the summer.

City will again look to sign a marquee