Enzo Maresca performs last-minute transfer U-turn on Man City player after blocking exit

Enzo Maresca has decided to allow one of his fringe players to leave Manchester City before the transfer deadline - despite reportedly blocking his departure earlier this month.

City are preparing for a busy transfer deadline day revolving around their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday morning that they had not yet submitted a bid to sign the 25-year-old, who has five years left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge.

But Maresca's side have cash in hand following a series of high-profile departures, headlined by Savio's £75 million move to Spurs.

It means that, despite splashing out £86 million on Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi, City may still have room for one more big addition - if they deem Fernandez to be worth Chelsea's reported £120 million-plus asking price.

READ MORE: Chelsea now 'rushing' to sign £51m star in last hours of window as Xabi Alonso switches key target

Should the Argentine make the move to the Etihad Stadium, he would likely not be lining up alongside one of his compatriots this season.

Claudio Echeverri was tipped for big things when he arrived at City in January 2025, though hasn't yet broken through into the side.

He has made just three appearances for the club in all competitions, and spent the second half of last season on loan at Girona after being recalled by Bayer Leverkusen.

Claudio Echeverri pictured at a Man City open training session in August (Image: Getty)

After featuring sporadically during pre-season, the 20-year-old hasn't played for City at all this season, though was named in the matchday squad for their 4-1 win over Crystal Palace last Friday.

Man City set to sanction exit after taking 'firm stance'

Reports from Argentina claimed that Echeverri's former club River Plate were keen on bringing him back to his home country on a season-long loan, but were told that Maresca had taken a 'firm stance' on keeping Echeverri at the club.

However, the situation now appears to have changed.

That's according to Tribuna, who report that Echeverri will be loaned out by City before the end of the transfer window.

It is claimed that three clubs are interested in signing him, with Benfica and Real Betis among his potential suitors.

Championship side Sheffield United have also been linked with making a loan bid. Chris Wilder's Blades have reportedly received a £7 million bid from Wrexham for their star attacking midfielder Callum O'Hare.

The idea of giving Echeverri experience of English football, in the second tier, might well appeal to City, who have already sent out a number of their young talents on loan to EFL clubs this summer.

Goalkeeper Pierce Charles is already impressing on loan at Queens Park Rangers, while centre-back Max Alleyne will spend the season at newly-relegated Burnley.

Divine Mukasa has been loaned out to another relegated side in West Ham, while forward Divin Mubama is at Southampton.

City held what was described as an 'exhibition day' in July, which featured members of their reserve and youth squad who would be available for permanent or temporary deals.

Staff from various clubs were invited to watch a match involving the players, before then being presented with data and insights on each available player.