Manchester City is going against each other again this summer with Rivals Real Madrid-in a fight for £ 85 million midfielder Florian Wirtz.
The two old enemies – who meet again on Wednesday in the Bernabeu – are both enormous admirers of the German international.
Bayer Leverkusen's Star Man, 21, is supposed to be enthusiastic in a switch to the Spanish giants when he leaves his home country.
But Pep Guardiola and his bosses on Etihad consider him an ideal successor in the long term by Kevin De Bruyne.
City started their reconstruction program by splitting more than £ 175 million in January on four new signing sessions.
This included defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez and the hat trick hero of Saturday Omar Marmoush who can play as a no. 10 or from wide.
But they know that De Bruyne, who turns 34 in the summer and no longer has a contract around the same time, cannot continue forever.
Guardiola admitted last week that two long -term injuries mean that the brilliant Belgian is 'not the same' player he used to be.
Domestic England star Phil Foden will look at the vacancy – but is also versatile enough to be used in a number of different positions.
However, they also weigh their options from outside the club – and Wirtz is one of the candidates.
So far he has 27 goals and assists this season for the men of Xabi Alonso – and Leverkusen would like to tie him to a new contract.
His decision could be hit by his current coach – with the former midfielder in Liverpool in the frame to succeed Carlo Ancelotti in Madrid.
Bayern Munich – managed by city legend Vincent Kompany – could also enter the race for Wirtz.
The young person has formed a promising collaboration with Jamal Musiala for the national team and the German League leaders would also like to put together at club level.
In the meantime, the city will welcome new £ 12.5 million that Claudio Echeverri signed at Etihad this week after he had completed his international task with Argentina below twenty.
The 19-year-old is called the 'new Messi' in his home country and arrives with a glowing reputation.
He will join the first team team, so Guardiola can decide whether he is ready to challenge a place – or whether he should go on loan next season.
Pep and his team will fly to Spain on Tuesday to prepare for their latest Champions League meeting with Madrid.
The holders have a 3-2 lead after a dramatic late victory at the Etihad-what means that City has to do it if they want to avoid an early exit.
But they won on the Bernabeu five years ago – and still hope they will save themselves.
Guardiola will take a check on the stand-in skipper Erling Haaland who wins in the 4-0 win over Newcastle with a knee injury look.
The Norway International, however, was broken during a warm Down session at the City Football Academy on Sunday and is expected to be mentioned in the traveling party.
This is the fifth time that the two clubs have been drawn in the competition in the competition in the last six seasons.
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