Manchester City are reportedly eager to sign Ryan Bertrand from Southampton in January, with Benjamin Mendy sidelined with a long-term injury.
According to a report by The Sun, Manchester City have reignited their interest in Ryan Bertrand, with Benjamin Mendy set to miss the rest of the campaign with a knee injury. The Citizens are, therefore, set to make a move for the Southampton left-back in the winter transfer window.
Bertrand progressed through the ranks at Chelsea in 2006, but never managed to cement a place for himself in the first-team setup. Sent out on loan on nine occasions in nine years while at the West London club, his only high point with the Blues was the Champions League triumph in 2012.
At Southampton, where he initially moved on loan in 2014, Bertrand has finally found his footing as he hasn’t just established himself as a key figure for the South Coast club, but has also become a regular fixture in the England National Side.
Manchester City have renewed their interest in Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand. (Source: The Sun) #MCFC #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/7pPo8I2iA0
— Transfer Centre Live (@TransferCenLive) November 3, 2017
In all, the 28-year-old has amassed 117 appearances for the Saints, and has come to be regarded as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, with a return of six goals and 14 assists also showing his attacking prowess. His exploits have also helped Bertrand attract interest from some prominent names in England.
Manchester City are one of such suitors that have been eyeing him for a long time, with Pep Guardiola believed to be a huge admirer of his talents. In fact, Bertrand has been scouted by the Citizens on a number of occasions over the past two seasons, and the Premier League leaders are now ready to launch an assault for him.
Pep Guardiola has been deprived of the services of Benjamin Mendy, who is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign due to a knee injury. In the Frenchman’s absence, Fabian Delph has stepped up admirably in an unfamiliar left-back role and has, in fact, been one of the more consistent performers for his side.
But, Guardiola has been reluctant to deploy Danilo as a left-back, and has, thus, turned his attention towards Bertrand to bolster the left side of defence in the winter transfer window, with no one to choose from beyond Delph, who has had his battles with a spate of injuries throughout his stint with City.
The only sticking point in City’s pursuit of Bertrand is his asking price, with Southampton set to command a £30 million fee in exchange for his services. It now remains to be seen if Guardiola is willing to sanction a move for the aforementioned figure as he looks to bolster the left side of defence.
