Man City set for 'transfer battle' for Benfica defender Alex Grimaldo and more transfer rumours

Manchester City will have to 'fight it out' for Benfica defender and reported Barcelona target Alex Grimaldo in January, according to reports.

As claimed by Calciomercato, Arsenal, City and Barcelona are all interested in signing the Spanish left-back in the January window - with the 26-year-old's contract expiring in 2023.

The report adds that the Portuguese giants are willing to sell him in January in order to avoid losing him for nothing. Grimaldo has already registered four goal involvements from left-back this season in just 12 appearances, which comes after he scored six goals while also providing nine assists last campaign.

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Guardiola recruited full-back Sergio Gomez in the summer, with Joao Cancelo continuing as the club's first-choice left-back this season after impressing in the position last term.

Elsewhere, Championship side Sheffield United are reportedly interested in a move for former City midfielder Fabian Delph.

According to Football League World, the Blades are looking at a potential deal for Delph, with Middlesbrough, Sunderland, West Brom, Reading and Rangers also thought to be in the mix.

Delph, who won 20 caps for England and made 204 Premier League appearances, is a free agent after leaving Everton at the end of last season. The Englishman has been described as ‘outstanding’ by City boss Guardiola in the past, with the 32-year-old making 89 appearances for the reigning Premier League champions.

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