Report: Manchester City eyes Cedric Soares as realistic right-back target

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's hunt for a new right-back has taken a conservative approach after the Spaniard highlighted Southampton's Cedric Soares as one of his key targets, sources have told ESPN FC.

Arsenal youngster Hector Bellerin and Tottenham Hotspur's Kyle Walker have been linked with strengthening a susceptible area of City's lineup, but the Saints' full-back has instead been picked out as a more realistic option due to him not playing for a direct rival.

Guardiola has used either Bacary Sagna, 34, Pablo Zabaleta, 32, or natural defensive midfielder Fernandinho, 31, on the right-hand side of a back four this term, but only the latter is contracted beyond this summer. Pablo Maffeo is also the solitary youth team graduate who could potentially make the step up next term, so Guardiola needs further recruitment in this area.

Soares, 25, joined Southampton from Sporting Lisbon in 2015 and quickly made himself an invaluable part of the lineup at St Mary's. He's currently contracted until 2020, and Southampton is prepared to try and ward off interest in the Portugal international when the transfer window swings open.