Manchester City have reportedly identified Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina as a potential summer transfer target.
After a relentless run of wins in recent weeks, City remain on course for the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola is expected to make changes to his first-team squad during the summer, particularly in central midfield where there are doubts over at least one key player.
That said, the full-back areas remain one of concern with versatile Joao Cancelo, who can play on both flanks, potentially being sold at the end of the season after his loan spell with Bayern Munich.
Furthermore, long-serving Kyle Walker is due to turn 33 years of age later this month and there are no guarantees that he will sign a new contract.
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While youngster Rico Lewis has emerged as a first-team option this season, Guardiola will not over-use the 18-year-old at this stage of his career, previously taking a similar approach with Phil Foden.
According to Fichajes, Guardiola is toying with the idea of trying to sign Molina from Atletico.
The 25-year-old, who can also play at right wing-back and right midfield, has enjoyed a productive first campaign at Wanda Metropolitano, contributing three goals and two assists from 28 starts in La Liga.
As well as helping Diego Simeone's side sit in second spot in Spain's top flight, Molina made six starts as Argentina won the World Cup at the back end of last year.
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The report suggests that Atletico would demand in the region of €60m (£52.3m) if City expressed an interest, four times more than they paid Udinese less than a year ago.
However, City would allegedly be prepared to meet that valuation if it helps bring further balance to their defence, helped by potentially offloading Cancelo.
With Molina possessing a contract until 2027, Atletico remain in a position where they would not necessarily have to cash in on Molina.
If Molina was to leave, Simeone would face the prospect of needing to sign two new right-backs with Matt Doherty highly likely to depart on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Darren Plant
