Man City give Pep Guardiola funds to hijack Liverpool's £41m bid for Real Madrid star in huge twist

Manchester City have given Pep Guardiola the funds to trump Liverpool and make a huge signing, reports claim.

City are set to be very active in the current January transfer window, with a £40 million deal for RC Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov poised to be announced in the coming days once a medical is completed.

The Blues are also advancing in a £67 million pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush, with the latest being that City are close to agreeing a deal for the Egypt international.

In addition, City are attempting to bring in Palmeiras 18-year-old defender Vitor Reis, said to be one of the most exciting young talents around.

City eye up huge deal for Real Madrid star

But in a new development, it's claimed that City are keen on Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, City have ensured funds are available for a potential switch for the France international.

Tchouameni signed for Los Blancos in 2022 for a whopping £85.3 million and he has gone on to play 111 times for the club, winning La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

Primarily a holding midfield player, Tchouameni has had to fill in at centre-back due to a defensive crisis for Real.

Aurelien Tchouameni is a target for both City and Liverpool. Image: Getty

A mid-season switch is extremely unlikely but City are tracking the 24-year-old, who is also a top target for Premier League and Champions League leaders Liverpool.

The Reds were in the running to sign him prior to his move to Real and after Arne Slot's side drew 2-2 with Manchester United last week, reports in Spain claimed they tabled an offer of £41 million for Tchouameni.

A new defensive midfielder had appeared to be a priority for City given how much they have struggled in the absence of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri since he suffered an ACL injury against Arsenal in September.

But that could be delayed until the summer, which is set to be a window of heavy rebuilding.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has confirmed captain Kyle Walker has asked to leave - with AC Milan favourites to sign the right-back.