Manchester City and Liverpool have reportedly caused concerns at Villarreal with their monitoring and interest in highly-rated forward, Alex Baena.
The Premier League giants are almost certainly set to go head-to-head for another English top-flight title this season.
While Jurgen Klopp's side have had a relatively slow start to the new campaign by their standards, Manchester City have got off to a flyer, and largely thanks to the efforts of new striker Erling Haaland.
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The most recent summer window was one of great change for Pep Guardiola's side.
An overhaul in attack saw Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling leave for Arsenal and Chelsea respectively, while Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland arrived in similar positions in the attacking front-line.
However, that interest in strengthening the attack does not appear to be over.
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A new report from Spain has suggested that both Manchester City and Liverpool are showing an interest in one of the brightest prospects in La Liga.
As described by Fichajes, translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Villarreal forward Alex Baena is a ‘great revelation’, and ‘several' Premier League teams are 'preparing their respective offers’ for the forward.
At present, the 21 year-old has a €35 million release clause in his contract.
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This is a figure that is unlikely to put off clubs in the Premier League who have great wealth at their disposal.
According to report, the interest from English giants Manchester City and Liverpool has ‘set off all the alarms’ at Villarreal, with the La Liga club now ‘seeking to renew his contract until 2025’, and subsequently increasing the release clause embedded in the deal as well.
While City may be holding an admiration and interest in Baena, their focus for the 2023 summer transfer window is likely to be elsewhere in the squad.
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One known position that is currently being analysed is central midfield.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of Bernardo Silva, as well as the ongoing contractual negotiations with Ilkay Gundogan, means that Etihad officials are beginning to draw up a shortlist of potential candidates for their roles.
One such name is Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund.
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However, City will likely face an almighty scrap with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Chelsea if they are to sign the England international.
Featured Image Credit: saolab / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Villarreal, La Liga, Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Football, Transfers
