Pep Guardiola is looking to add an English spine to his side with Jordan Pickford identified as Joe Hart’s successor.
The Sunderland keeper has just returned from injury and is certain to depart the Stadium of Light at the end of the season regardless of whether Sunderland stay up or not. According to the Manchester Evening News Pickford is on City’s radar.
Guardiola has tried Claudio Bravo and Willie Caballero as replacements for Hart but neither have impressed or convinced the City boss.
Pickford will be an end of season target for a number of clubs but City will be able to top any financial offer while the lure of working with Guardiola a big incentive.
Getting the goalkeeping position right is vital for Guardiola who inherited Manuel Neuer when he arrived at Bayern Munich with a similar quality keeper required for City.
At 23 years of age Pickford has packed in plenty of experience through five loan spells and is expected to challenge Hart for a place in the England team over the next 12 months with a move to City bound to help his international prospects.