City also have Josko Gvardiol, who was signed to play centre-back, but who has played 11 of his 14 matches this season on the left side of the defence.

As a result, Ait-Nouri, who was signed from Wolves at the start of last season, has yet to play a minute in the Premier League this campaign and only four times overall, in the League Cup and UEFA Champions League.

Manchester United are looking to improve their stocks in the left-back position and were strongly linked to Lewis Hall in the summer.

But now Catalan giants Barcelona are also pursuing the Algerian international as they prepare for the departure of Alejandro Balde, who they are actively trying to move on.

The complications may lie in the fact that Barcelona are after a straight loan move, whereas Manchester City would prefer an obligation to buy included in the deal.

Juventus are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old, who, it would appear, will not be plying his trade at the Etihad Stadium for much longer.

Bayern Munich not likely to pursue Odegaard swoop

Bayern Munich are not likely to pursue a deal for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard this summer, according to Christian Falk.

Odegaard’s representatives have been in talks with the Bundesliga champions for a number of years, the German journalist says, and it is suggested that the Norway playmaker would be interested in the move.

But Bayern themselves are not, with the 27-year-old’s age profile not matching what Vincent Kompany’s side are looking for.

They are after a young left-winger to eventually replace Serge Gnabry, as well as a centre-back.

Odegaard has a deal with Arsenal until 2028, but he has yet to sign an extension.

Zubimendi attracting interest from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi is being tracked by London rivals Chelsea, as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The 26-year-old has struggled for minutes for The Gunners this season, with Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly seemingly preferred to the Spain international.

As such, it may be considered best for both parties if Zubimendi is to leave in January.

If he does do so, it seems unlikely he will join Atletico Madrid, who already have Pablo Barrios, Koke, Oscar Cardoso and Morten Hjulmand in the midfield.

Atleti are also only after a loan deal at this stage, unless they made a significant sale, and Arsenal would prefer Zubimendi to leave permanently, if he is to leave at all.

And there are two sides who have both the desire and spending power to pay what Arsenal will want for Zubimendi – Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Endrick wants Real Madrid exit

Endrick is looking to leave Real Madrid in January, according to AS.

The Brazil forward, 20, has played just 140 minutes this season, across seven matches, and his only start came against Sevilla.

Endrick felt as though he was going to be more involved when Jose Mourinho specifically requested for him to stay at Real Madrid this season despite him having a loan deal with Roma finalised.

Mourinho’s former club could return to the market for the Brazilian once more in January, but they face competition now from Portuguese side Sporting CP.

Managed by Paulo Fonseca, who coached Endrick at Lyon last season, Sporting seems the ideal location because they can give him guaranteed playing time, as well as competing in the Champions League.

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