Manchester City will reportedly face competition from a fellow Premier League Big Six club in the race to sign Lazio defender Mario Gila this summer.
It was claimed late last month that the reigning Premier League champions were plotting a summer swoop for the 24-year-old and could even throw in one of their talented youngsters to sweeten the deal.
Gila was a product of Real Madrid's academy system for four years between 2018 and 2022, but he never made it big at the Bernabeu, only making two senior appearances before being sold to Lazio for €6m (£5.2m).
However, the Spaniard has found safe haven in Serie A, registering two goals in 78 matches for Lazio in all competitions, scoring both of those strikes in 37 appearances in the 2024-25 campaign.
Primarily a centre-back, Gila has also played as a number six for the Biancocelesti, but he has never signed a contract extension at Stadio Olimpico and is due to become a free agent in 2027.
Tottenham, Man City 'learn asking price' for Gila
© Imago
According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham have joined Man City in their admiration for Gila, whom Lazio are willing to listen to appropriate offers for this summer due to his contract situation.
The report states that the Italian giants would be after a fee of between €40m (£34.4m) and €45m (£38.7m) to let Gila leave ahead of the 2025-26 season, but City and Spurs are not alone in their pursuit.
Gila's former side Real Madrid would supposedly be prepared to give him another chance at the Bernabeu this summer, as the La Liga titans are desperately searching for a new centre-back.
Even if Gila does not return to Madrid, Real will reportedly bank 50% of any future resale, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the situation.
How Man City are 'set apart' from other clubs in Gila race
© Imago
Spurs' need for defensive reinforcements may be greater than Man City's at present, given that Cristian Romero is supposedly being courted by both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
However, unless Ange Postecoglou's side triumph in the Europa League, they will be playing no form of continental football next season, hardly an incentive for Gila to pick them over City, Real or PSG.
Furthermore, the report claims that City's ability to create an environment that will 'maximise his potential' will give them an advantage in the race, and Pep Guardiola himself is a keen admirer of Gila.
The Catalan coach is said to be a fan of the 24-year-old's defensive awareness, passing skills and composure on the ball, and he believes he could learn a lot working alongside Ruben Dias and John Stones.
Ben Knapton
