Man City close on Ruben Dias transfer with Nicolas Otamendi joining Benfica

James Robson @jamesrobsonES27 September 2020

Manchester City are nearing a deal for Benfica centre back Ruben Dias.

The 23-year-old is expected to travel to Manchester to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of a move that could see Nicolas Otamendi head in the opposite direction.

Pep Guardiola has made overhauling the heart of his defence a priority after City relinquished their Premier League crown to Liverpool last season.

City were punished for failing to replace Vincent Kompany and also struggled to cope with a long-term injury to Aymeric Laporte.

Nathan Ake was signed in £41million deal from Bournemouth, but Guardiola wanted another high quality addition, with Kalidou Koulibaly his top target.

AP

Napoli’s asking price of around £80million saw talks stall, while Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Jose Gimenez from Atletico Madrid were other options.

But Dias, who City scouts have monitored throughout the season has emerged as the new leading target as the window nears its October 5 deadline.

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