Manchester City have ramped up their hunt for Columbus Crew goalkeeper Zack Steffen after senior backup stopper Claudio Bravo picked up a freak injury on the training ground, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claim on their website that the 23-year-old USA international has been targeted by Pep Guardiola after impressing his scouting team out in the states in what could be a £5million move in January with Bravo set to sit the rest of the season out on the sidelines.
It is stated that Championship side Bristol City saw a £3million bid turned down in January but that a work permit issue could leave him without the right paperwork to play in the Premier League straight away.
Good move for City?
A £5million move for an international goalkeeper is not a bad piece of business, but what is the point of signing him if there are doubts over whether he could even play in England?
Bravo was a dependable shot stopper who had the experience to fill in for Ederson in the first team and so finding someone who has that ability will be something of a challenge.
Steffen certainly seems like one for the future and City should have no qualms in snapping him up if they feel he has what it takes to be a future first team stopper, but at the moment they need someone who can step straight into the side.
The American does not tick that box and so questions should be asked whether this is the right move for Guardiola’s men.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
If City want him then he is theirs – it is as simple as that.
Bristol City might have been turned down in the summer but the Premier League champions should have no such struggle in getting a deal penned in January.
They might have to pay a little over the odds to get a work permit sealed but it could well be worth it if he goes on to become a future City star.
This is Futbol rating: 7.5/10