Manchester City is eyeing Bayer midfielder Florian Virta, whom they intend to sign in the summer. Leverkusen, in turn, is looking to acquire Citizens midfielder James Makati and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno from the English club. Manchester City intends to capitalize on Bayer’s interest in Makati and Ortega to acquire Virta. During the week, representatives from Aspirinov made a planned visit to the Etihad Stadium and discussed the prospects of Makati and Ortega in Germany with Manchester City. Citizens will sell players if they are priced appropriately. Manchester City head coach Josep Guardiola is a big fan of Makati, but has been unable to offer the 22-year-old sufficient playing time. After rejecting Bayer’s offer in January, the British side are willing to sell the player if the Germans offer £25 million. Ortega also wants more time on the pitch. Manchester City values the 32-year-old at around £15 million.In turn, the City side want to transfer Virts to Manchester and are willing to pay £100 million for him. Manchester City’s competition is Bayern, but the club’s leverage has reportedly chosen for the 21-year-old to leave Germany. They also hope to persuade Virts to extend his contract for another year, including a £125 million release clause in the deal. But Bayer’s interest in Makati and Ortega is being acknowledged by Manchester City in the negotiations. Source link
