Manchester City are actively seeking a market solution for first-team goalkeeper Zack Steffen, with a replacement now lined up for the 27 year-old.
Reports emerged on Thursday morning from Germany that Manchester City were close to a deal for Arminia Bielefeld goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who would be available on a free transfer this summer following the expiry of his contract.
According to the information of Kicker, Ortega was said to be on the verge of moving to Manchester City, with details on his role at the club also specified.
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Kicker claimed that Ortega would be making the switch to England to become Pep Guardiola's number two choice goalkeeper behind Brazilian international Ederson - thus throwing the future of Zack Steffen into doubt.
Further reporting from Sky Germany journalist Dirk Schlarmann then revealed that Ortega rejected approaches from both Spain and within the Bundesliga in order to join Manchester City.
Regarding timeframes for the completion of the deal, Schlarmann reported that a total agreement and finalising of the transfer could arrive by the end of this week, such is the advanced nature of negotiations and talks between the relevant parties.
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However, as now confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a deal for Stefan Ortega is currently on hold.
According to Romano, Manchester City do in fact have a verbal agreement in place to sign Ortega as a free agent this summer, but despite the lack of a transfer fee to be negotiated, another factor is currently complicating a deal.
As originally expected, but now confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, a deal for Stefan Ortega depends on Manchester City's current back-up goalkeeper Zack Steffen and the club needing to find a good solution within the transfer market.
While it is not specified whether Manchester City would be seeking a loan or permanent move for their USA international star, it is made clear that their pending Bundesliga recruit is now waiting for the Premier League champions to green light his arrival.
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Manchester City are now closing in on the return of their first-team squad ahead of the beginning of pre-season next month, and club officials are expecting more new faces to arrive through the door before the new season begins.
While Stefan Ortega may be one of those new faces, other stars from within the Premier League are also being targeted.
Brighton's Marc Cucurella and Leeds' Kalvin Phillips are both subject to intense interest from Manchester City in the coming weeks, and both clubs are braced for bids.
Already through the Etihad Stadium doors are two new attacking stars.
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Julian Alvarez was confirmed to have signed for Manchester City back in January, but remained on-loan in Argentina until next month, where he will then have a short break before linking up with his new teammates for pre-season.
The signing of Erling Haaland was also completed last month, but an official announcement was held until last week, when Manchester City confirmed the arrival of the Norwegian with a high-level social media campaign.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Zack Steffen, Stefan Ortega, Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Bundesliga, Football, Transfers, Fabrizio Romano
