Man City prepare shock move for Tottenham defender | OneFootball

Manchester City are exploring a surprise move to sign Tottenham Hotspur left-back Destiny Udogie this summer, a report has revealed.

City wanted a new full-back in the January transfer window and were strongly linked with a move for Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus, who remains on the radar heading into the summer.

With Liverpool also keen on Cambiaso, City are drawing up a list of possible alternatives and Fabrizio Romano names Udogie as a target.

Incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is said to be a huge fan of Udogie and City are "closely tracking" the 22-year-old, who Spurs are incredibly reluctant to lose.

Udogie shone last season as a flying full-back under Ange Postecoglou - he is one of many players to have suffered a drastic dip this year - and Spurs recognise the Italy international as one of the most important young players in the squad.

City are under no illusion as to how difficult a deal for Udogie would be to pull off, especially given his contract stretches to 2030, but they remain keen to explore a move and will hope that Spurs' domestic struggles, which have seen them fall to 14th in the Premier League standings, could help convince Udogie to make the move.

It is suggested that Udogie is appealing because of his ability to play on both sides of defence, although Spurs fans are yet to see much evidence that he boasts any confidence with his right foot.

Right-back is thought to be the priority area for City, who are prepared to replace Kyle Walker in the likely event AC Milan make his loan deal permanent this summer.

City boss Pep Guardiola has used midfielder Matheus Nunes as his preferred right-back in recent weeks, admitting it could be a permanent position change as the Portugal international is "not clever enough" to play in the middle of the pitch.