Amid fresh talk of an imminent move to Manchester City this summer, Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is already offering a significant hint on his next move.
Talk first emerged of a transfer to the Premier League champions on Thursday morning, with German media being the first on to the idea of the 29 year-old moving to the Etihad Stadium in the coming days and weeks.
Firstly, according to the information of German magazine Kicker, Stefan Ortega was said to be on the verge of moving to Manchester City, with details on his role at the club also specified.
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Kicker claimed that Ortega would be making the switch to England to become Pep Guardiola's number two choice goalkeeper behind Brazilian international Ederson - thus throwing the future of Zack Steffen into doubt.
Further reporting from Sky Germany journalist Dirk Schlarmann then revealed that Ortega rejected approaches from both Spain and within the Bundesliga in order to join Manchester City.
Regarding timeframes for the completion of the deal, Schlarmann reported that a total agreement and finalising of the transfer could arrive by the end of this week, such is the advanced nature of negotiations and talks between the relevant parties.
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However, in case there was any doubt in supporters' minds in regards to the validity of the aforementioned reports, Stefan Ortega himself is already offering a significant hint in regards to his Manchester City transfer.
The 29 year-old goalkeeper has already made references to his next move available on his official Instagram page, by following both Manchester City's official account, as well as the club's current number one between the sticks, Ederson.
Stefan Ortega joining the club as their new number two choice goalkeeper would however create plenty of uncertainty in regards to the future of USA international and Manchester City's current back-up option, Zack Steffen.
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The 27 year-old endured a mixed season under Pep Guardiola last campaign, predominantly featuring in cup competitions, but suffering a challenging experience in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool at Wembley.
The arrival of Ortega may mean that Steffen has to search elsewhere for improved opportunities on the field, especially given 2022 being a World Cup year and the player undoubtedly wanting to play and improve his chances of securing the number one shirt for the USA in Qatar.
Manchester City's transfer business will certainly not end with any deal for Stefan Ortega.
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Elsewhere, the club are known to be pursuing a number of options closer to home, with two Premier League stars high on their list of priorities this summer.
Pep Guardiola is known to be wanting a traditional left-back in amongst his ranks next season, and has identified Brighton's Marc Cucurella as being the man to take on that responsibility.
However, the south coast club are demanding a fee in excess of £45 million, and while this valuation may seem steep to many, there is an understanding in various quarters that Manchester City remain confident of striking a deal.
Additionally, Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips is another priority target for Etihad officials.
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Txiki Begiristain and Pep Guardiola are known to be big admirers of the England international, and view the player as a natural replacement for the recently-departed Fernandinho this summer.
Topics: Stefan Ortega, Bundesliga, Premier League, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Transfers
Freddie Pye