Why Man City's investment in La Liga high-flyers Girona is at risk amid imminent Savinho transfer - explained

City and Girona are both owned by City Football Group and are on track to play in the Champions League next season, with the Spanish side flying high in La Liga and currently in second place behind leaders Real Madrid.

UEFA's Club Financial Control Body is set to assess the connection between the two teams this summer, inews reports, and could introduce restrictions on trading players and collaboration in other areas. It could be the case that just one of the sides - the team that finishes higher in their respective league - will be granted entry into the competition.

UEFA has considered changing its rules regarding a company owning more than one club and president Aleksander Ceferin is concerned by clubs owning smaller ones. CFG has a 47 per cent stake in Girona and the possible conflict of interest could result in changes to their ownership.

The possible changes are not expected to have an effect on City's pursuit of Girona winger Savinho. The reigning European champions are lining up a deal to sign the Brazilian from his parent club Troyes - also owned by CFG - though it is likely to be investigated by the Premier League to ensure the transfer fee represents fair market value.

UEFA will assess the situation between the two teams at the end of the season if both clubs end up reaching the Champions League group stage for the 2024-25 campaign. They are both sitting second in their respective divisions.