Pep Guardiola is determined to ensure Manchester City land Jude Bellingham, according to The Sun.
Real Madrid are confident they lead the race for the £100million-plus rated England midfielder’s signature, while Liverpool are also extremely keen.
But sources at the Etihad believe the opportunity to work with Guardiola will swing the Borussia Dortmund star’s decision in City’s favour.
Bellingham, 19, is also wanted by Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
Loan deals
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Chairman Steve Parish hopes Crystal Palace will be able to freshen up their squad in January — but admits loan deals are the most likely option.
Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been linked with a temporary return to Selhurst Park, although Erik ten Hag has stressed the 25-year-old right-back remains part of his plans.
Speaking to Palace TV, Parish said: “The January window is hard. There are one or two things we would like to do, probably more loans than buys.
“We would really look to the summer to do anything major. We have a good squad. I think the players are very good and I think we have a good points tally.
“In January, it’s quite nice to freshen things up a bit if we can, look at some places we feel we can improve with the manager, so we are looking at situations there.”