Manchester City preparing shock move for new goalkeeper

Manchester City are preparing a surprise move for a new deputy to Ederson in the form of USA international Zack Steffen, the Sun claim.

Pep Guardiola is believed to be prioritising a new back-up goalkeeper following the season-ending injury suffered by veteran Claudio Bravo, and the Columbus Crew stopper has emerged as a shock target.

The 23-year-old is believed to be available for around £5m, though City would need to appeal for a “special talent” exemption in order for the youngster to earn a work permit.

Steffen had a spell on loan at Freiburg when Guardiola was managing in the Bundesliga with Bayern and has been earmarked as the next long-term keeper for the US, who have had a tradition of producing number ones that have made the move to England.

The likes of Kasey Keller, Brad Freidel, Tim Howard and Brad Guzan have all been previous first choice keepers for the national side to have earned Premier League transfers and Steffen could be the next.

Only two keepers kept more clean sheets in the regular season in MLS in 2018 than the youngster (10), whose efforts helped his side earn a place in the play offs for the second year running.