Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will sign cover for Benjamin Mendy in January and has earmarked a cut-price move for Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam, claims The Sun.
Mendy may not play again this season after sustaining a serious knee injury last month and that has left Guardiola without a recognised left-back until January at the very earliest.
Fabian Delph and Danilo have been used at left-back at times already this season but Guardiola wants to sign Ghoulam, who will only have six months remaining on his existing Napoli deal in January.
The Algeria international was widely expected to leave Napoli over the summer but remained at the club and has made a barnstorming start to the season, putting City on red alert for his signature.
City face Napoli in the Champions League next week and Guardiola’s side hope to initiate talks with the Serie A giants before landing the 26-year-old in a deal worth as little as £3m.
In seven Serie A appearances this season, Ghoulam has played a direct hand in five goals (two goals, three assists) – one fewer than he managed in 29 appearances last term. Furthermore, Ghoulam is the highest rated defender in Serie A (7.93).
