Guardiola is considering re-signing the Bundesliga star to replace the key figure

Manchester City are interested in re-signing Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremy Frimpong as they look to replace Kyle Walker, TEAMtalk sources have confirmed.

Walker, 34, has been one of the Cityzens’ key players in recent years, but his prime is past and Pep Guardiola and his recruitment team are looking at possible replacements.

TEAMtalk sources say Men’s city want to bring in ‘the next generation of winners’. They want to strengthen key areas including the number 10 role and centre-back, but right-back is also a priority.

FrimpongThe 23-year-old Leverkusen has been fantastic since joining the club in 2021, playing a crucial role in their unbeaten Bundesliga-winning 2023/24 season.

The Dutch international has been interesting for Premier League teams since his time at Celtic. He initially came through Man City’s academy before they sold him to the Scottish giants for just £350,000 in 2019.

Guardiola’s side are now considering bringing Frimpong back to the Etihad after he developed into one of the most powerful full-backs in European football.

Frimpong has scored a total of 26 goals and 38 assists in 158 appearances for Leverkusen so far, and can play as either a right winger or a full-back.

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Man City line-up for former star

Frimpong has previously been courted by Manchester United and we understand the Red Devils have held multiple talks to bring him to Old Trafford.

However, Man Utd ultimately failed to secure a deal and now the door is open for other clubs to try and secure his signature.

Frimpong had a release clause of just £33.5 million in his contract last summer, but surprisingly no club chose to trigger it despite there being concrete interest across Europe.

The dynamic defender was happy to stay at Leverkusen but is keen to assess any offers that come his way. The fact that manager Xabi Alonso could leave Leverkusen for Real Madrid at the end of this season is another factor to consider.

Some sources have suggested that Frimpong’s release clause could become active again at the end of the season. It has not yet been confirmed how much the clause will be set at this time, but if they are correct it will likely be higher than last summer.

Man City have plenty of right-backs on their radar and will continue to evaluate their options before deciding whether to make a move for academy graduate Frimpong.

Man City summary: ‘Confidence’ in Haaland deal growing / Zubimendi latest

Meanwhile, Man City is working hard to sign superstar striker Erling Haaland to a new contract in a bid to stave off interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

They plan to offer him as much as £500,000 a weekwhich would eclipse the Premier League record, and significantly increase Haaland’s reported wages of £375,000,000.

The current record is reportedly held by Kevin De Bruyne, who is expected to pay City £400,000 per week.

The only remaining obstacle to a deal is the fact that City want Haaland’s £150m release clause to be scrapped, while his advisers hope this remains the case. However, there is confidence among all parties involved that a contract will be concluded quickly.

In other news, Guardiola’s side continue to keep a close eye on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as they look for cover for Rodri, who is sidelined with a serious injury.

Zubimendi fully expects to be the subject of transfer rumors again ahead of the January transfer window and after being linked with Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal, he has hinted at what his position will be.

Liverpool had agreed to match the Spain international’s €60million release clause in the summer, but he opted to reject the move to Anfield.

“There will always be rumors and now that January is approaching there will be rumors again, but I don’t waste energy on outside noise.” Zubimendi said in a recent interview.

“I’m happy with the way I’m handling it and I’m dealing with it.”

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