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Thursday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Leonardo Bonucci, David Alaba, Gabriel Jesus

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Manchester City on Thursday, December 17.

The summer transfer window has now closed, with Manchester City having again focused on bolstering their defence first and foremost.

Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias arrived for a combined sum of more than £100m, while Ferran Torres was another notable signing. Attention will now switch to the January window as Pep Guardiola's side attempt to win back the Premier League title.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Thursday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:


Manchester United 'in hunt for Bayern Munich's David Alaba'

David Alaba in Bayern Munich training on December 8, 2020© Reuters

Manchester United are reportedly in the race to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.

The Red Devils are understood to be in the market for a new centre-back in future windows, with Alaba just as capable playing in the heart of defence as he is on the left-hand side.

The 28-year-old is entering the final six months of his contract with the Bavarian giants, and the club have supposedly withdrawn their latest offer of a new deal for the versatile defender.

According to SportBild, United are eyeing a move for the Austria international, who supposedly dreamed of a move to Old Trafford during his days as a youth player.

However, Alaba is believed to be a man in demand, with the report stating that Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all in the hunt for the defender's signature.

Alaba has been a key player for Hansi Flick's side this term with 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and setting up another.



Alan Shearer: 'Manchester City need to sign a replacement for Sergio Aguero'

Alan Shearer pictured on December 14, 2015© Reuters

Manchester City need to sign a striker capable of delivering more than 30 goals a season, according to the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer.

Sergio Aguero has had his fitness problems this season, and the Argentina international's current deal at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire next summer, meaning that he could leave on a free transfer.

Gabriel Jesus has only managed two Premier League goals this term, meanwhile, and City have found it difficult to show their best form in the league, picking up just 20 points from 12 matches.

Speaking after Tuesday's 1-1 draw with struggling West Bromwich Albion, Shearer claimed that the Citizens need to bring a new "big-hitting centre-forward" to the Etihad Stadium next summer.

"When you look at the big picture in terms of Sergio Aguero, he's not getting any better in terms of his performances," Shearer told Amazon Prime. "He's a brilliant player and if he's fully fit he'll still get 20-25 goals a season.

"But very much like their neighbours [Manchester United], I think come the end of the season their priority will be getting in a big-hitting centre forward in. Someone who can score 30-35 goals a season."

City are allegedly keen on signing Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland, although a release clause in the youngster's contract will not come into play until the summer of 2022.


More transfer news from Manchester City:

Manchester City interested in Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci?
Manchester City are reportedly aiming to strike a deal for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, with Pep Guardiola keen to bring in an experienced centre-back. Read more.

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Bayern Munich defender David Alaba pictured on November 7, 2020
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