Manchester City are on the brink of ending a rather dismal season by their standards in the Premier League. They might end in the top four, as per the current standings, but it is in a fashion which is not at all satisfactory for the club as well as their fans. Pep Guardiola is in dire need of reinforcements to be brought into the side for the next season.
One of the areas of headache for the Spaniard has been the defence of his current side. With a number of major defenders not being able to play consistently throughout the season due to injuries, there have been players who have heavily underperformed in the backline for The Citizens. One such is Gael Clichy, who has not been able to invoke confidence into Guardiola with his performance in the current season and might be replaced by someone more capable in the next season.
Reportedly, the Manchester City boss is eyeing the Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand to end his side’s defensive woes for the next season. The England International has been an integral part of a resilient Southampton side throughout the season and has attracted interests from a number of big-name clubs in the Premier League.
Bertrand has been one of the best players in the left back position in this year’s Premier League. His phenomenal display in the aforementioned position for The Saints in the present season has made him one of the most highly rated players undoubtedly.
Reportedly, Liverpool, who are short of a regular left back in their current line-up, have also been looking to bag the Southampton ace for the next season. Their coach Jurgen Klopp, is not happy with the regular player in the left back position, Alberto Moreno, and is looking to make a much-needed change to his squad by bringing in the England international during the summer transfer window.
Apart from Liverpool, this year’s Premier League winners are also speculated to be linked with the Southampton left-back and are looking to make a bid in the next transfer window to bring him into the team. Reportedly, their mainstay in defence, Spanish left-back Cesar Azpilicueta might leave the club to join Barcelona in the next season, and The Blues are already looking for someone as good as Bertrand to replace him in their starting line-up.
Speculations are rife that if The Saints are going to let go of their prized possession to any other club in the next season, they are going to demand something around £25 million for the left-back.
