Manchester City have been linked with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos in recent weeks - but have now been dealt a setback by the German midfielder, with reports claiming that the star turned down a move to City to stay in the Spanish capital.
Having signed two strikers in Julian Alvarez Erling Haaland in the summer, Pep Guardiola opted to sign Kalvin Phillips from Leeds as a midfield pivot following two extremely impressive seasons at the Yorkshire club following their promotion to the Premier League. However, injuries afforded to the English midfielder have seen him play just 53 minutes of football all season - still warranting an England call-up.
The reigning champions currently sit five points behind Arsenal at the World Cup break, and could have done with more midfield backup so far this season in terms of tiredness and injury prevention. And, according to Fichajes, they sought after Germany icon Kroos - only for him to turn them down.
ALSO READ: United might have found their new most important player
The publication states that whilst Kroos' contract runs out in June, and having rejected a contract renewal at the Santiago Bernabeu, City made a move for a man while former team Bayern Munich were also said to be keen on him.
But it appears the midfielder will reject both clubs to stay in Madrid.
Elsewhere, Bernardo Silva has been tipped to end the uncertainty surrounding his future by signing a new and improved contract at the Etihad Stadium.
The Portugal star has long been linked with a move to Barcelona, and general consensus around the north west was that Silva would not be in a blue shirt for much longer. Guardiola had even given Silva the green light to move, saying: "We want him to stay with us, but I don't want anyone who's not happy. The first thing would be for the clubs to come to an agreement, but there has been no offer for him in these last two years."
Though according to Football Insider, City are keen for Silva to follow in the footsteps of Riyad Mahrez, Rodri and Phil Foden who have all signed new deals this season.
The deal would be worth more than £40m in total, and would likely see him extend his stay at the club until at least the 2026 season, which would take him to nine years at the club.
READ NEXT:
