Manchester City 'ready to beat Barcelona to Lautaro Martinez'

Manchester City are reportedly ready to reignite their interest in Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.

With long-term admirers Barcelona having scrapped plans to sign the Argentina international this summer, it appears likely that the 23-year-old will spend another season at San Siro.

However, according to The Sun, City are contemplating whether to take advantage of the Catalan giants not being in a position to meet the player's release clause.

The report suggests that the Premier League outfit are willing to pay £81m, providing that they are able to make at least one significant sale during the current transfer window.

Despite a trophyless campaign for Inter, Martinez was still able to score 21 goals for the Serie A and Europa League runners-up in all competitions.

Pep Guardiola has started to give consideration to finding a replacement for Sergio Aguero, whose contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2021.