City have reportedly stepped up their interest in Palmeiras winger Allan as they prepare for the possibility of Savinho leaving the club.
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna reports that City have made progress with plans to sign the 22-year-old Brazilian.
Significantly, Aouna says the move has been made in anticipation of the probable departure of Savinho, whose future has become one of the major issues still to be resolved before the transfer window closes.
Allan would fit the profile of a younger replacement with significant room for development.
The left-footed attacker has become an important player for Palmeiras and has four goals and two assists from 20 appearances in Brazil’s Serie A this season.
Palmeiras have already rejected Premier League interest
Getting Allan out of Palmeiras may not be straightforward.
The Brazilian club rejected an approach from Aston Villa last month which could have been worth €30m — around £26m — including bonuses.
Palmeiras made it clear at the time that they did not want to sell Allan, who was regarded as an important part of their plans for the remainder of the season.
That stance provides some context to City’s reported move. There has been no indication yet that an agreement has been reached or that Palmeiras have changed their position.
What does appear increasingly clear is that City are preparing for different outcomes over Savinho.
If the Brazilian leaves, Allan has now emerged as another potential option as Enzo Maresca and City’s recruitment team consider how best to replace him.
For more info on this and other City transfer deals and rumours, please take a look at our live transfer tracker.
