UPDATE: The Mirror and Telegraph are reporting that City are in pole position to sign Kevin De Bruyne.
Mark Ogden of the Telegraph says that City are prepared to offer the Belgian a five-year deal with a basic £120,000 a week salary, in a deal in excess of £50m.
While the Mirror says that City’s opening offer is expected to be in the region of £40 million, but they are willing to pay up to £60 million to land their man.
According to Het Laatste Nieuws in Belgium, Manchester City are ready to open negotiations with Wolfsburg over a move for Kevin De Bruyne, 24.
Last week, The Telegraph reported that the Blues would turn to the former Chelsea midfielder after securing the £49m signing of Raheem Sterling from Liverpool. HLN say that City have already offered De Bruyne a five-year deal with the option of another year and are now ready to begin talks over a fee with his club.
Wolfsburg’s sporting director Klaus Allofs has maintained a rigid stance on the player who scored 10 goals and registered 20 assists in the Bundesliga last term, insisting the club’s star man is not for sale. However, it is understood that De Bruyne’s agents have already discussed a move with Wolfsburg who will listen to offers of around €70m.
City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain first approached De Bruyne’s entourage in December 2014 and has remained in Manchester during the club’s pre-season tour of Australia to try and clinch a deal for the Belgian. Begiristain is hopeful of finalising a deal by this weekend, although Wolfsburg are likely to drive a hard bargain.
