Pep Guardiola eyes Sepp van den Berg and Jeremie Frimpong

Guardiola has 'asked' Man City to secure the signings of the duo, in a 'big indication' that he will stay on as manager. Guardiola's contract is due to expire at the end of the season but if this report is to be believed then he is already planning his squad for next term.

The tactician was first impressed by Van Den Berg during a pre-season friendly in 2021, when the centre-half - who was playing as a right-back that day - was on loan at Preston North End from Liverpool.

Van Den Berg put in a top performance against City and he has 'been on Guardiola's radar ever since'.

It is claimed that City made an approach to Liverpool to find out if they would be able to land the Dutchman during the most recent summer transfer window. However, Guardiola knew a deal was always going to be unlikely while Van Den Berg was playing for a title rival.

Instead, Van Den Berg went on to join Brentford for £25million. Football Transfers claim that the 22-year-old will spend the full season at Brentford as Thomas Frank's side will try to reject all January approaches for him.

But the fact Van Den Berg has now moved away from Liverpool could open the door for Guardiola and City to sign him in the summer.

Guardiola is spying a double deal for Van Den Berg and his Netherlands compatriot Frimpong.

The 53-year-old 'has a good relationship' with Frimpong and is hoping to use this to lure him back to City. Frimpong came through the ranks at City before leaving for Celtic in September 2019.

The right wing-back played a crucial role in Leverkusen's unprecedented 2023-24 season. He registered 14 goals and 12 assists in 47 games to help Xabi Alonso's side go unbeaten on their way to a league and cup double, while also reaching the final of the Europa League.

Leverkusen have not quite been as prolific this term, though Frimpong has still managed one goal and six assists in 16 appearances. His electric form has sparked serious interest from Guardiola and City.

The reigning Premier League champions view Frimpong as an ideal replacement for Kyle Walker, who is now 34 and in the twilight years of his career.

However, City will face competition for the 23-year-old, and his future could be decided by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool have earmarked Frimpong as a possible replacement for Alexander-Arnold, should the England star join Real Madrid.

But if Madrid miss out on Alexander-Arnold, then they will look to open talks for Frimpong, having identified him as a backup option. 

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