Manchester City may have been handed a massive opportunity to steal a march in the race for the highly sought-after Italian defender Marco Palestra.
According to reports from Italian news publication TMW, City have emerged as favourites to sign the 21-year-old, who is drawing interest from clubs in the Premier League.
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Palestra is expected to be on the move this summer and would reportedly welcome a move to the Premier League. But only if City decided to enter the race for his signature.
The Cagliari loanee is one of the most sought-after young players in Italian football following his impressive development, and City have been touted as a potential landing spot.
City are on the market for reinforcements after missing out on the Premier League title to Arsenal.
The Cityzens are preparing for a new era without Pep Guardiola in the dugout, with the Spanish legend announcing his departure from the club this summer.
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A number of players have already confirmed their departure, paving the way for City to bring in a couple of fresh recruits and strengthening the backline is a priority for the club.
While City have been linked with a move for Palestra, there hasn’t been any formal approach from the Premier League runners-up yet.
Serie A champions Inter Milan are making efforts to sign Palestra, while Atalanta are determined to keep one of their most valuable assets.
Inter see Palestra as a potential long-term replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has completed a summer move to Real Madrid.
They have even tested Atalanta’s resolve with an opening proposal.
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However, the Bergamo club has turned down their approach, making it clear that they want at least €50 million (£43m) for the player.
Newcastle United have also been linked with Palestra, but the defender has made it clear that he has no interest in moving to St. James’ Park this summer.
Italian publications are convinced that while Palestra is interested in a move to Inter, his head will be turned if City decides to make a formal approach for the defender.
