According to reports from Mirror Football, Manchester City have joined Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the transfer battle to sign Barcelona defender Marc Bartra.
The Spain international remains highly-rated at the Nou Camp but looks set to leave during the summer transfer window, having failed to progress as expected since his 2010 debut and made just three La Liga starts so far this season.
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Technical defender Robert Fernandez has already suggested as much, telling reporters last week; “We have many good players and it is difficult to compete in a team like Barcelona. He was born and raised in our home, but his personal situation could lead to a separation from the club.”
Currently, Tottenham Hotspur are seen as the front-runners in the race to sign the 25-year-old, able to offer the incentive of Champions League football next season, with Manchester United not far behind as they prepare a £9.5million summer transfer bid.
But according to Mirror Football, Manchester City have now entered the race to sign the versatile defender, which will likely spell bad news for their rival suitors. Incoming manager and former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola issued Barta his debut six years ago, back when he was still a teenager, and has made strengthening City’s shaky defence a key priority for the coming transfer window.
Not only do Spurs & United have to battle against the Citizens’ financial firepower and silverware credentials, but also the Guardiola connection.