Man City transfer news: Premier League club 'joins race' for former Championship star

Manchester City will reportedly face competition from a Premier League rival if they attempt to sign Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara.

Despite having spent in the region of £180m during the winter, Pep Guardiola and new sporting director Hugo Viana are preparing to go to work when the summer market opens in June.

Although Nico Gonzalez was signed earlier in the year, it has been well documented that another central midfielder should arrive at the Etihad Stadium.

At the end of last month, it was claimed that Guardiola was an admirer of Sara, who spent two years in the Championship with Norwich City before moving to Turkey.

His 20 goals and 16 assists from 86 second-tier outings for the Canaries and establishing himself at Galatasaray has seemingly led to the Brazilian enhancing his reputation.

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Which Premier League may join Sara race?

As per Turkish journalist Ali Ece, whose comments were covered by Haber Sarikirmizi, Villa have plans to make an approach for Sara over the coming months.

Ece said: "Aston Villa's plans include acquiring Gabriel Sara. Originally, they were going to buy him from Norwich City, but when Galatasaray asked for him, they waited and said, 'Let's see what will happen at a big club, what will he do in European games?'.

"At worst, Galatasaray will sell at a profit this summer. I think if there is a sale with a profit, he will be transferred again."

Galatasaray signed Sara in a deal that could eventually reach £17.4m, essentially leaving any interested suitors to pay more than that figure.

Sara has since made 35 starts and three substitute appearances in Super Lig and the Europa League, contributing two goals and eight assists.

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Do Villa need Sara?

Much may depend on which European competition that Villa participate in next season with all three possibilities on the table.

Whether Unai Emery pushes hard for his signature may also be dependent on if one of his established stars are sold for a lucrative fee when Villa need to ensure that they comply with the relevant financial regulations.

Earlier this week, there was a claim that Youri Tielemans was attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Sara is also more versatile than some of Villa's current midfield crop. He has played as a number six, number eight, number 10 and right-winger this campaign.

Written by
Darren Plant