O'Rourke: Man City target close to agreeing extension

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Man City are unlikely to land a deal to sign AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders imminently as he closes in on a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Milan are confident that the Netherlands international is close to signing a new contract after talks were held.

Sources say that for City to get a deal for the 26-year-old over the line, they would have to move quickly to make an offer of around £50million.

However, he is the type of midfielder Pep Guardiola’s side are targeting as they are looking to reinforce their midfield options after a dismal turn of form.

City have now won just one of their last 11 games, and former Man United chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider they are now plotting a “massive” overhaul in the transfer market.

A new central midfielder has been a priority target since Rodri suffered a potentially season-ending injury against Arsenal in September.

Reijnders has established himself as a key player at the San Siro, having started all but two of their league games and all six of their Champions League clashes.

As a result, Milan remain determined to see him commit to new terms in an attempt to ward off growing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.

Tijjani Reijndersclose to AC Milan deal in new Man City blow

Reijnders is capable of playing across the midfield to do the job the team need of him, and is equally talented defensively as he is going forward.

City have been linked with a number of all-action midfielders ahead of next month’s transfer window as Guardiola is desperate to strengthen his team’s core.

Football Insider revealed on 19 December that they are also set to miss out on a move for Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle will not entertain offers in January.

This comes amid growing questions surrounding the performances of the ageing Ilkay Gundogan, while Kevin de Bruyne has struggled for fitness and Mateo Kovacic has been underwhelming.

Reijnders remains a key long-term target for a number of clubs, with the likes of Real Madrid also keeping a close eye on his progress, while he previously turned down a move to Barcelona in favour of Milan.

However, his immediate future looks set to remain in Milan despite the growing interest.

In other news, Man City want to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

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