Exclusive: Man City accelerate plan to complete blockbuster signing

Man City are set to step up their efforts to land a high-profile replacement for Kevin de Bruyne, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the club are keen to find a big-name replacement to minimise the impact of the midfielder’s departure.

This comes as the club are expected to appoint Sporting CP’s Hugo Viana as their new director of football following Txiki Begiristain.

Viana is very highly thought-of in Portugal, and there is an expectation that he will slot seamlessly into City’s transfer team as they step up their efforts to replace De Bruyne.

The 33-year-old has less than a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad amid growing speculation about whether he will commit his future to the club.

Football Insider revealed on 1 November that the club will hold sit-down talks with the Belgian in the coming weeks amid links with a move to MLS side San Diego FC.

Man City line up superstar replacement for Kevin de Bruyne

De Bruyne’s recent injury issues, which have seen him miss a combined 54 games since the start of last season, have raised red flags for City’s recruitment department.

Replacing their star man has become a top priority at the Etihad, with work already underway to identify and bring in a new attacking midfielder.

There is also a feeling that any replacement for the midfielder will have to be somebody who can step in and make an instant impact.

As a result, City have turned their attention to the likes of Florian Wirtz and Cole Palmer as potential replacements as they consider their options.

However, Football Insider revealed on 27 October that Palmer is not interested in a return to the Etihad after leaving in search of first-team football in 2023.

Football Insider also revealed that Bayern Munich are the current favourites to sign Wirtz, but City are expected to push to find a deal for the Bayer Leverkusen star.

In other news, Man City working on deal to sign Kyle Walker replacement.

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