Not a bad back-up! Man City's transfer alternative to Rayan Cherki revealed as Pep Guardiola continues rebuild

PerL'Equipe, City view Simons as a back-up option to Cherki as they continue negotiations to sign the Lyon playmaker. The RB Leipzig star is expected to move on this summer after his current employers failed to qualify for the Champions League, and he has been shortlisted in case the Manchester club do not manage to secure Cherki's signature.

City are aiming to sign a replacement to the departing Kevin De Bruyne and Cherki is said to have agreed personal terms with City ahead of his move. A bid is expected to be tabled shortly. The 21-year-old has a release clause of around £25 million ($34m).

Simons only moved to Leipzig permanently in January, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League has left the door ajar to an exit. He has also been linked with Manchester United, while Arsenal are said to be interested too.

City will hope to reach an agreement with Cherki in the coming days. If they are unable to do so, they may well turn their attention to Simons instead.