Manchester City are stepping closer towards a move for Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand. Pep Guardiola is likely to shake up his defence as left-back Gael Clichy has announced his departure from the club along with a handful others.
City already signed Bernardo Silva and Ederson in an attempt to build a squad consisting of youthful players. Bertrand moved to the South Coast in 2015 from Chelsea and made his name for the Saints. Despite Southampton’s erratic season, the left-back has been one of the shining lights for the Saints as he had been pushing the team forward this season.
City had their problem with full backs as Guardiola had to spend the season with ageing Clichy on the left side. Clichy is not that type of player Guardiola wants as the Spanish gaffer wants his fullback to bomb forward. But with age being a factor, Clichy failed to keep pace with Guardiola’s idea and now the gaffer wants to add an attacking minded left back.
City were negotiating with Monaco for Benjamin Mendy but the French club is demanding £40m. The Sky Blues are unwilling to splash that much and now have turned their attention to Bertrand who has been with the Saints for the past two years.
Bertrand is a much-disciplined defender who possesses authority over the ball. His attacking attributes are also very encouraging and as a whole, he is a typical Pep type defender and added to that City will not have to burn their pockets much as the English international will be available for a much lower fee than Mendy.
Bertrand reportedly told his friends that he might leave the St Mary’s this season. If he does join City which is looking imminent at this moment, he will add weight to City’s homegrown contingents which is also a very useful prospect these days.
Bertrand left the Stamford Bridge after a long stint of 10 years and Saints bought him for £10m. The club is looking for at least double the amount and City wouldn’t mind spending £20m for a player who is proven in the Premier League.
City also have Aleksandar Kolarov as an option but Pep has shifted him to central defence and the 31-year-old has done enough to be in Guardiola’s good books. Despite his limited playtime, Bertrand had a Champions League medal with Chelsea. The 27-year-old seemingly has a bright chance to shine under Pep’s guidance and a move is on the cards for the Saints defender.
