Manchester City are reportedly closing in on the signing of Bundesliga goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, in what appears to be the end for current number two Zack Steffen.
While the Premier League champions have had their attention solely focused on the recruitment of a new left-back and central midfielder, Etihad officials are always flexible when it comes to fresh market opportunities.
In a new development, that certainly appears to be the case, as the Premier League champions are now claimed to be closing in on the signing of a new number two choice goalkeeper.
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This could mean that current back-up option and USA international Zack Steffen could be on his way out of the club this summer, however to date, there have been no concrete links tying the 27 year-old to a move away.
The new development on the goalkeeping scene at Manchester City comes from German newspaper Kicker, who suggest that the name in question on his way to the Etihad Stadium is Stefan Ortega.
Kicker report that the 29 year-old Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper is on the verge of a move to Manchester City, and will become the number two choice behind Brazilian international and first-team mainstay Ederson.
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With Ortega's contract expiring this summer, the report highlights that Etihad officials would be securing the signature of the player on a free transfer.
Stefan Ortega would be making a move to Manchester City off the back of yet another busy campaign in the Bundesliga.
Making 33 appearances in the German top-flight for Arminia Bielefeld, Ortega kept a total of six clean sheets and conceded 53 goals in the process.
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Unfortunately for Bielefeld, Ortega's efforts between the sticks were not enough to ensure their safety in the Bundesliga.
Alongside Greuther Furth, Arminia Bielefeld were subsequently relegated into the German second division, and to make matters worse, may not be without their goalkeeping mainstay for the new season.
Elsewhere, Manchester City continue their pursuit of two Premier League stars this summer.
In central midfield, their main target remains Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips, although despite the known interest from key figures at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City are understood to have not yet submitted a formal offer to the Elland Road club.
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At left-back, their main target is also common knowledge, with Brighton & Hove Albion's Marc Cucurella the primary name on City's shortlist.
However, as is the case with Phillips, Manchester City are yet to have submitted a formal offer to the Amex Stadium, despite confidence coming from the Etihad Stadium that the Catalan full-back will be one of their players come the start of the new Premier League season in August.
Pep Guardiola could also have a new right-hand man alongside him on the substitutes bench this season.
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Following Juanma Lillo's exit last week to become Al-Sadd head coach, former academy coach Enzo Maresca appears set to return to the club to adopt a more senior role alongside the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager.
Topics: Bundesliga, Premier League, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Transfers
Freddie Pye