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As reported by various outlets in the past 48 hours, Manchester City are said to be closing in on the signing of Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
The 29-year-old is fresh off the back of a relegation stained campaign with the Bundesliga club, but has been marked as one of the better keepers in the league during the campaign.
As a result of his improved form as of late, the Bielefeld man was on standby for Germany’s Euro 2020 squad and has since been linked with a move to German giants Bayern Munich as a back-up to Manuel Neuer.
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While Ortega likely will not be in contention for the starting keeper role at the Etihad due to Ederson’s stranglehold on the number one spot, his arrival could mark the departure of the club’s current backup shot-stopper, Zack Steffen.
The United States international has shown inconsistent form since taking control of the number two spot in 2020.
Spells of high-quality performances mixed with duds have left his Manchester City future in doubt.
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To compound that, Steffen was at fault for two goals conceded by Manchester City in the 2021/22 FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool, with some believing that day marked an end of his City career.
With Ortega’s apparent arrival, Manchester City have been looking at options for Steffen, according to the Sun’s Martin Blackburn.
As per Blackburn’s information, the most likely outcome for the keeper would be a one-year loan move away from the Etihad.
This would not be anything new to the 27-year-old, who spent his first season after signing for the Premier League club on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf in the Bundesliga.
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However, a move away to find regular first team football could be key in Steffen’s battle to win the number one job for the United States Men’s National Team at the 2022 World Cup in November.
Steffen has only racked up 21 starts since taking over the backup role in 2020, which has left many doubting his role for the national team.
Elsewhere, Manchester City’s busy summer rumbles on with plenty of other potential departures from the club.
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Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus are both rumoured to be headed to Arsenal, and Chelsea respectively.
While FC Barcelona continue to push for a staggering signing of midfielder Bernardo Silva.
The arrival of two new centre-forwards in Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez could soften the blow if the Premier League winners see a mass exodus of attacking players in the coming months.
However, there is limited options for some of these player around Europe and the likes of Silva could be forced to stay if the right offer fails to present itself.
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Manchester City, of course, will not stand in their way if their valuation is met.
Featured Image Credit: (Alarmy)Topics: Manchester City, Zack Steffen, Stefan Ortega, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours