Man City 'target' £68m Kevin De Bruyne 'replacement' as permanent exit route finally emerges

Manchester City are mulling over a £68million push for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze amid uncertainty around Kevin De Bruyne's future at the Etihad Stadium this summer. That's according to reports from The Mirror with Eze thought to have Tottenham and other Premier League clubs on red alert.

De Bruyne, 33, only has 12 months to run on his contract and interest from Saudi Arabia - which would present a lucrative option for the Belgium captain - is rife this summer. Eze, meanwhile, gained further exposure on the big stage when appearing for heartbroken finalists England at Euro 2024.

His numbers for Palace - 11 goals and six assists from 31 games last season - booked a late ticket on the plane. The 26-year-old is tied down at Selhurst Park until 2027 and his release clause tops the £60million-mark.

ALSO READ: Guardiola copied Klopp before showing Phillips thoughts

ALSO READ: Player ratings vs Celtic as Bobb fantastic and Phillips poor

City, though, are considering their options to strengthen, despite Pep Guardiola rubbishing claims that De Bruyne will depart this summer. Guardiola spoke about his long-time talisman during City's ongoing USA tour after he was said to be subject to an offer from Al-Ittihad - with some suggestion De Bruyne had even 'agreed' terms.

Elsewhere, reports from The Daily Mail reckon City are in discussions to sell Yan Couto with Borussia Dortmund in the market for his signature. Couto, 22, joined the Premier League champions from Coritiba and has picked up four caps for the Brazil national team at senior level - despite never making an appearance for City.

He has spent time on loan Girona (twice) and SC Braga previously. A permanent exit could be on the cards for him, though, with Couto