Manchester City intensify efforts to sign the 'new Kevin De Bruyne' despite first bid for €70m-rated star being rejected

With De Bruyne bringing to an end a decade at City, the hunt for his potential successor is on. Reports in Italy state Pep Guardiola's men saw a €60m (£50.5m) bid for AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders rejected, with the Italian giants said to be holding out for €70m (£58.9m).

Now, Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, reports that City want to sign the Dutchman 'immediately' and intensified contacts on Thursday. They have since submitted a higher offer but it is said to be short of Milan's valuation. Although he is predominantly a central midfielder, Guardiola is reportedly keen to turn the 26-year-old into the ‘new De Bruyne’.

The Netherlands international has reportedly cancelled a pre-scheduled holiday, with the Italian press seeing that as a major sign that a transfer to the Etihad is on the cards. He himself is said to see the move as a step forward in his career and would be fascinated to work under Guardiola.

While a Milan to City switch could happen soon, it is likely that Reijnders will be in action for the Netherlands before then, with games against Finland and Malta to come on June 7 and 10, respectively.