Manchester City look set to go head-to-head with some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Liverpool, for the transfer of one of the continent's brightest prospects.
The Premier League champions are currently in the process of shortlisting potential transfer targets for 2023, it is understood.
It is widely known that among the positions of interest are central midfield and full-back, with a number of changes being anticipated in the summer transfer window of the next calendar year in particular.
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The respective futures of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan remain uncertain, with both players still open to Etihad exits in 2023 for different reasons.
The Portuguese international has grown unhappy with the lifestyle on offer in the north-west of England, while City's German midfielder is out of contract next summer and is yet to have made a decision on his club future.
However, while the focus may be on the aforementioned roles in Pep Guardiola's team, club officials keep one eye on rising prospects who may be required to enter another shortlist should exits from the first-team squad happen.
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According to the information of Sky Sport's Florian Plettenberg, Manchester City are among a number of clubs to be holding an interest in RB Salzburg's Noah Okafor.
However, and unsurprisingly given the player's recent performances, the Premier League champions are not alone in their interest.
Alongside Etihad officials, the likes of Liverpool and AC Milan are also credited with an interest in the player.
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However, it is specifically stated in the report that Manchester United are not among the interested parties.
For now, there are no ongoing negotiations for the player, with the FIFA World Cup in Qatar described as being 'very important' to the player.
Nevertheless, a transfer in the January transfer window is described as being 'possible', with a potential price tag of between €35 million and €40 million.
The Qatar edition of the FIFA World Cup gets underway in just a matter of days, and it is expected that scouts from all of the globe's major clubs will be watching the performances of players with a close eye.
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For Noah Okafor and his native Switzerland, they face a tough task in Group G.
Alongside them sit Brazil, Serbia, and Cameroon - all of whom will hold confidence in progressing from the mini-league despite the threat posed by one another.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Red Bull Salzburg, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, AC Milan, Premier League, Football, Transfers, Switzerland, Serie A
