Manchester City reportedly increased their summer transfer activity in the past 24 hours by a £ 84 million double blow.
According to sources in Italy, the Blues are said to have made a big bid for Napoli’s defender Kalidou Koulibaly and put in a £ 57 million offer with add-ons.
And according to the rumors, soccer director Txiki Begiristain was doubly busy pursuing a £ 27million move for wanton Bayern midfielder Thiago, a goal for Liverpool.
But well-placed springs in City pour cold water on both stories.
The club have never denied Koulibaly is a target and they are still interested in the Senegalese international.
However, no bids have been made for the player and City has not even advised Napoli that a bid should be made.
The two clubs were far apart in their ratings of Koulibaly, and Napoli’s owner Aurelio di Laurentiis slammed the player at a £ 80million prize when City’s interest first became apparent.
Napoli are so confident they will sell Koulibaly that they are close to hitting a £ 22m deal for Lille Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
Take our end-of-season survey in Man City:
But City’s valuation is much lower, and although di Laurentiis cut its price – to £ 71m and then possibly £ 62m – City stays cool.
As for Thiago, it seems Bayern are trying to hold an auction for the player but City have no interest and are unlikely to buy a midfielder this summer.
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