Manchester City 'eye Denis Zakaria as long-term Fernandinho replacement'

Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho.

Zakaria will not be signing a new contract with his German club, meaning that he will be available on a free transfer at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

However, Monchengladbach could yet attempt to sell the Switzerland international during the January transfer window in order to receive a fee for his departure.

A number of clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona, have been linked with the 25-year-old, but according to Sports Illustrated, Man City are eyeing him as a replacement for Fernandinho.

The report claims that the Citizens want to sign competition for Rodri next season and view Zakaria as the ideal player to boost their options in the middle of the park.

The Swiss has again been an important player for his German club during the 2021-22 campaign, making 16 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and one assist in the process.