Report: Manchester City in talks to sign Juventus' Dani Alves

Pep Guardiola could be adding an experienced head to the Manchester City dressing room, as it appears the club is in talks to sign Dani Alves, reports The Guardian's Ed Aarons and Fabrizio Romano.

Alves, 34, was one of Guardiola's first signings at Barcelona in 2008, but ended eight years in Catalonia last summer to join Juventus. He showed no signs of flagging in Turin, storming back after a serious leg injury to inspire the Old Lady to a sixth consecutive Serie A title, a third straight Coppa Italia triumph, and the Champions League final.

While negotiations are underway over a two-year contract, Romano and Aarons understand it's still some way short of a done deal as City tries to reach an agreement with Juventus over the Brazilian's transfer.

Alves' potential arrival would help address the right-back slot that was left bare following the departures of terrace icon Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna upon the conclusion of their respective contracts. Tottenham Hotspur's Kyle Walker has been linked to City for some time, and although Goal's Sam Lee believes the Blues are still confident in brokering this likely expensive deal, Alves would provide a cut-price option at approximately £5 million, and should help instill a winning mentality at the Etihad Stadium.

His versatility - he most regularly appeared as a right-back for Juventus, but was successfully thrust into more advanced positions - would also serve as a bonus as Guardiola tries to drill his ranks in a variety of tactical setups.

Recruits are needed on the left-hand side of defence too, with Monaco's Benjamin Mendy and Southampton's Ryan Bertrand apparently topping Guardiola's wishlist in that department. The only natural in that position is Aleksandar Kolarov, and Guardiola often preferred to deploy the 31-year-old Serbian centrally in his first season managing in English football.

Related - Report: City nearing Bertrand swoop; Mendy agreement some way off

City has already made two moves before the summer transfer window officially unlatches on July 1. The technically gifted Bernardo Silva switched from Monaco in a deal worth around £43 million, and a £34.9-million capture of goalkeeper Ederson Moraes from Benfica was completed at the start of June.