Manchester City are reportedly ready to concede defeat in their pursuit of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
With Sergio Aguero expected to call time on his Etihad career when his deal runs out in the summer, City are being tipped to splash the cash on a new frontman ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
Martinez, who was strongly linked with a move to Barcelona last year, is thought to be on Pep Guardiola's radar, but the 23-year-old's recent contract developments have supposedly forced City to look elsewhere.
Martinez has previously confirmed that talks are underway over a new deal, and according to Eurosport, he is now close to agreeing fresh terms with a lucrative new salary at San Siro.
As a result, the report adds that City will now turn their attention to Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland, and there is still the possibility of getting a deal over the line for Lionel Messi.
Martinez has scored 12 goals and assisted six more across all competitions for Inter Milan this term, where his existing deal is due to expire in the summer of 2023.
Ben Knapton
