Man City to beat Bayern to £50m signing? Pep Guardiola's side target Joao Palhinha as possible Kalvin Phillips replacement

The reigning English champions are reportedly ready to pay £50 million ($63m) for the Portuguese international as the club eye him as a replacement for outgoing Kalvin Phillips, according to the Daily Star. Despite being handed a rare start by Pep Guardiola in the club's final Champions League group stage clash against Red Star Belgrade in the midweek, Phillips is almost certain to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window.

The 28-year-old was very close to joining Bayern Munich in the summer but the deal collapsed on the transfer deadline. Despite missing the opportunity to sign the midfield star, the Bundesliga champions remain interested in him. Bayern are also being linked with Phillips and if they manage to sign the English international, it will clear City's way to rope in the Fulham star.

City have kept Fluminense star Andre on their wishlist in case they miss out on Palhinha. The Brazilian wonderkid is likely to cost the Premier League giants £30m ($38m).

The Sky Blues are in trouble at the moment having won just one of their last six Premier League games. On Saturday, they squandered a two-goal lead and dropped important points against Crystal Palace at home. If Liverpool beat Manchester United on Sunday, they will extend their lead to six points over the reigning champions.