Manchester City are unlikely to continue their pursuit of Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso, despite making an enquiry over a potential deal.
The Premier League champions had a £54.5million bid rejected as they search for a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, with Juventus holding out for £75.5 million.
Meanwhile, Juve head coach Thiago Motta revealed on Tuesday that Cambiaso is still struggling with the ankle injury that sidelined him for the club’s first Serie A defeat of the season against Napoli last weekend.
Motta said: “Cambiaso won’t be there.
“You know he’s had this situation with his ankle, but he was trying to help the team.
“He has said that he prefers to take his time to get back to 100 percent.”
Juventus have already identified a potential replacement for Andrea Cambiaso, with Feyenoord’s David Hancko emerging as their top target.
However, despite an initial enquiry from Manchester City, a deal before Monday night’s transfer deadline appears unlikely.
Cambiaso, who came through the ranks at Genoa, joined Juventus in a £8.5million deal during the summer of 2022.
He caught Pep Guardiola’s attention when he played a key role in Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Man City in the Champions League last December.
Man City have already made significant investments in this transfer window, securing the signings of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Juma Bah.
Guardiola remains keen on further reinforcements as he looks to revitalise the four-time Premier League champions following a recent slump.
The club have committed to a £250million spending spree in a bid to reestablish their dominance in English football.
A key part of this investment includes the staggering nine-and-a-half-year contract extension worth £240million for star striker Erling Haaland.
Man City’s spending may not end there, with Atalanta placing a £50million valuation on Brazilian midfielder Ederson.
Juventus have also offered City the opportunity to sign Douglas Luiz on loan, provided they agree to an obligation to buy at the end of the season.
However, Man City have long been admirers of Ederson, and Atalanta may now be open to negotiations, particularly after their Serie A title hopes have diminished in recent weeks.
Read more: Arsenal eye Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel amid January transfer push
Liverpool considering new loan move for Stefan Bajcetic amid limited Salzburg minutes
Liverpool stand firm on Darwin Nunez as Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr look elsewhere