Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who is also attracting interest from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
City are heading into November's international break following a four-game losing run across the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup.
The latest of those defeats arrived on the South coast on Saturday afternoon, when Man City were unable to earn anything from their battle with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Towering forward Erling Haaland put the visitors ahead in the first half, however second-period efforts from Joao Pedro and Matt O'Riley secured the points for the Seagulls.
After 11 matches of the top-flight term, Man City are occupying second spot in the Premier League standings, five points adrift of early pacesetters Liverpool.
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Man City 'testing the waters' for Liverpool, Tottenham-linked Reijnders
According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Man City are preparing to challenge title rivals Liverpool in the January transfer window as well as on the Premier League pitch.
The report states that the Citizens are exploring the possibility of signing AC Milan man Reijnders in the New Year, with Arne Slot's Reds and Tottenham also keen on the 26-year-old.
It is understood that Man City boss Pep Guardiola perceives Reijnders as an ideal player for the style of football on the blue side of Manchester.
The Spaniard has failed to rule out the signing of a January replacement for Rodri, who is sidelined for the remainder of the campaign due to an ACL injury.
It is also claimed that the Citizens are eyeing up Torino and Italy midfielder Samuele Ricci as an alternative to Reijnders in the New Year.
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How likely is Reijnders to leave AC Milan?
Providing seven contributions across 15 competitive matches so far in 2024-25 - including three goals in the Champions League - Reijnders is enjoying a sensational start to the campaign at club level.
Recent developments have suggested that the Dutchman is happy with the Rossoneri as he closes in on the signing of a new long-term contract with the Italian giants.
However, with Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham all joining the race for the midfielder, it would be naive for Reijnders to not seriously consider a move to England.
While club football endures a two-week hiatus, the 26-year-old is set to be in action for the Netherlands during UEFA Nations League A fixtures against Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
