Manchester City have been put on 'red alert' over the availability of Ansu Fati but will have to pay around £90million for the winger, according to reports.
Fati has been frustrated over a lack of game-time this season, with just 10 of his 25 La Liga appearances coming from the start. The 20-year-old's father has spoken publicly about a lack of opportunity under Xavi, not long after being touted as one of the Blaugrana's rising stars when breaking into the first-team picture.
City are among several Premier League clubs to have held a long-standing interest in the Spanish star, but for the most part that admiration has been from distance with Barcelona unwilling to negotiate. However Football Insider reports that the La Liga leaders could now be willing to listen to offers, as they look to balance their books this summer amid pressure from league chiefs over their wage bill.
ALSO READ: Erling Haaland returns to training ahead of Southampton fixture
Their new-found openness has reportedly put City on high alert going into the summer, with Manchester United and Chelsea also monitoring the situation. Any pursuit of Fati will not come cheap, however, with the report adding that Xavi's side will only listen to offers around the £90million, and have no obligation to lower their demands given the winger is contracted until 2027.
Elsewhere, La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Fichajes) reports that City are among several clubs interested in Theo Hernandez with AC Milan already planning for his departure by eyeing a new left-back of their own.
Hernandez has developed into one of Europe's most dangerous left-backs in recent seasons, presenting a consistent threat for the Rossoneri with three goals and four assists across all competitions. The 25-year-old also started all of France's World Cup knockout games including the final defeat to Argentina.
Such form has attracted Premier League interest, with City named alongside Tottenham and Chelsea as potential suitors. The report adds that Milan understand they cannot resist the money of English clubs and acknowledge the difficulty in keeping hold of their stars.
Furthermore, the troubling economic situation in Italian football plus the uncertainty surrounding qualification for next season's Champions League - despite progressing into the quarter-finals this year, they face a five-team battle for three places - could force them to cash in.
READ NEXT
