Sergi Roberto deals Manchester City huge transfer blow as Barcelona star declares he wants to stay at Nou Camp ‘forever’
Versatile defender was being lined up for a stunning £35million switch to the Etihad in the January transfer window
SERGI ROBERTO has dealt Manchester City a blow after revealing he wants to stay at Barcelona “forever”.
The versatile right-back is believed to be a January target for Pep Guardiola after losing his status as an automatic starter at the Nou Camp.
Roberto, who is equally adept at playing in central midfield, currently has a £35million release clause in his contract.
But Barcelona are said to be preparing a new deal which will see that figure increase ten-fold to £350million.
And Roberto himself has now poured cold water on a move to the Etihad after declaring that Barcelona was his club for life.
The 25-year-old said: “My recovery (from injury) is good. I want to return as soon as possible.
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“The future? I always said I wanted to stay at Barcelona. My dream is to stay forever at the club of my life.”
Meanwhile, City are believed to be closing in on a deal for £60m-rated centre-back Virgil van Dijk.
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The unhappy Dutchman is desperate for a Southampton exit and is looking to join Liverpool after being denied an Anfield switch last summer.
However, City need more defenders following an injury to John Stones, and the highly-rated Van Dijk fits Guardiola’s bill perfectly.
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