Report: Pep blown away by 'phenomenal' £25m man as Man City become main bidders to sign him

The Premier League champions, taking on Aston Villa at Eastlands this afternoon, are looking to retain their crown and beat arch rivals Liverpool to the punch as a nervy final day awaits.

As a huge Sunday lies is in store for Blues and one which may well define the entirety of 2021/2022, but behind-the-scenes, City officials are already at work on how best to prepare for next year regardless of what happens today.

Guardiola, after completing a deal to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, now wants to bring in a new left-back and midfielder to succeed the departing Fernandinho.

Brighton defender Marc Cucurella, author of a fine season at the Amex, has emerged as a target recently.

According to Spanish sources, City are indeed eyeing a move for the 23-year-old as they become ‘main bidders’ to sign him from The Seagulls – who could charge around €30 million (£25m) for his signature.

Alongside Chelsea, it is believed the English champions are vying to sign Cucurella – coming as Guardiola has been left stunned by the former Barcelona starlet’s brilliant form.

The Spaniard, even earning call-ups to the national team in recent years, has been a revelation under Graham Potter over this campaign.

According to WhoScored, Cucurella has ranked in as Brighton’s joint-third best performer by average match rating with a solid 6.92/10 – even tearing City’s arch rivals Man United ‘apart‘ in recent weeks.

Lavished for his ‘phenomenal’ form since leaving Barca by members of the media, it’s hardly surprising Guardiola’s head has been well and truly turned.

In other news: Man City officials travel to club as Pep and Txiki agree on perfect signing, find out more here.

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