Manchester City have reportedly decided when they will make an offer for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
It has been well-documented that the Citizens will pursue at least one new midfielder this summer as club legend Kevin De Bruyne will be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract, while the long-term futures of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan are believed to be uncertain.
Man City currently have new sporting director Hugo Viana working alongside outgoing chief Txiki Begiristain during a transition period, with the club's hierarchy focus primarily on a much-anticipated squad rebuild this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz and Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White are two names who are believed to be among multiple candidates who will feature in the Citizens' transfer deliberations this summer, with Pep Guardiola's side allegedly close to reaching a verbal agreement with the former.
Netherlands international Reijnders has also emerged as a big-money target for Man City, who are understood to have made contact with Milan to express their interest.
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Man City preparing opening offer for Reijnders
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man City will submit a formal, opening bid to Milan for Reijnders in the 'upcoming weeks'.
Talks over a deal for the midfielder are thought to be at an early stage and Man City were mindful of Milan's focus on Wednesday's Coppa Italia final clash with Bologna.
Romano adds that Reijnders, who played the full 90 minutes in the narrow 1-0 defeat, is keen to focus on Milan's remaining Serie A fixtures this season against Roma and Monza, with the Rossoneri still in contention to secure a top-four finish.
Man City are said to 'respect' the Dutchman's wish and once the campaign concludes, they will submit their first bid for their 'main target' for the No.8 midfield position.
It has previously been claimed that Milan will demand a record fee for Reijnders, eclipsing the £57m they received for club legend Kaka when he joined Real Madrid in 2009.
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Reijnders a standout performer at San Siro
Reijnders is being linked with a summer switch to the Etihad Stadium just over two months after the 26-year-old extended his contract with Milan until June 2030.
The all-round midfielder joined the Rossoneri from AZ Alkmaar for around £17m in the summer of 2023 and has since established himself as an important first-team regular.
In his debut campaign at San Siro, Reijnders contributed with four goals and four assists in 50 appearances for Milan across all competitions as the Italian giants secured second spot in Serie A.
This term, the 22-cap Dutchman has gone from strength to strength, recording 15 goals and five assists in 52 matches for Sergio Conceicao's side, including 10 goals and five assists in 35 Serie A outings.
Oliver Thomas
