LONDON • Manchester City have approached Juventus over a move for Dani Alves, with manager Pep Guardiola prepared to offer the Brazil international a two-year contract as he steps up his recruitment drive for next season.
The English Premier League football club are searching for defensive options after allowing Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy to leave when their contracts expire at the end of this month.
A move for Tottenham's Kyle Walker has failed to reach a breakthrough, with the London club holding out for a fee in excess of £40 million (S$70.7 million) for the England international.
That has led Guardiola to turn his attention to Alves.
Juventus have confirmed they could be open to selling a player who was impressive during the Serie A winners' run to the Champions League final. The right-back was particularly outstanding in the semi-final victory against Monaco, getting involved in his side's first three goals over the two-legged tie before scoring the fourth.
He still has one year left on his contract and City have been told a bid of around £5 million would be sufficient to persuade the Turin club to sell the 34-year-old.
Despite reports in Spain that a deal has already been agreed, it is understood negotiations are continuing. Alves, it is believed, has agreed a contract in principle to link up with his former Barcelona manager.
City are also keeping abreast of the situation involving Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the midfielder set to spark a transfer scramble by telling Arsenal that he is ready to move on after six years.
The England international has been weighing up his future while on holiday and his inclination is that a move would be best if he is to deliver on his rich potential.
The 23-year-old is a key target for Liverpool, where manager Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of his energy, explosiveness and ability to perform a variety of attacking roles.
Chelsea also covet him while Guardiola would not mind including the talented youngster in his squad for next season.
THE GUARDIAN, THE TIMES, LONDON
