Barcelona and Manchester City in contact over possible Sergi Roberto deal
The versatile midfielder has one year to run on his contract at Camp Nou
Sergi Roberto's future is uncertain and if he doesn't stay at Barcelona, SPORT have learned that he could make the move to Manchester City, who has transmitted their interest in signing him.
City tried to sign Roberto last summer but the player turned them down. Now, the situation is different. All three parties would be open to a deal. Barça want to renew their squad and cut their wage bill, Pep Guardiola values Roberto's profile and versatility and City will back their coach.
Roberto, 29, is out of contract next summer and has not yet reached an agreement with Barça over new terms.
His priority is to stay at Camp Nou but not at any price. He's waiting to see what Barça's intentions are. If they say they no longer count on him, he will listen to City.
Guardiola believes Roberto would be a useful addition to his squad. He knows the player well and feels he would fit into his side's style of play. In addition, he values his professionalism, attitude and work rate. In recent talks with Barça, the Premier League champions have recognised their interest in Roberto, but there have been no significant advances yet.
Barça see it as an opportunity to save on his 10 million euro gross salary. At right-back, they will have Sergiño Dest and Emerson next season, with Roberto turning 30 before 2021-22 ends. They must make a clear decision.
Meanwhile, Barça like Aymeric Laporte, who has played less than expected at City this season. He's worth more than Roberto, so a straight exchange is not likely.
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