City need FIFA help over Gimenez move

PEP GUARDIOLA’S hopes of signing Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez in a £ 50million deal could be scuppered by FIFA.

The Manchester City manager sees Gimenez as an alternative to Kalidou Koulibaly but the Uruguay centre- half has tested positive for Covid- 19.

Gimenez, right, is self- isolating for two weeks and will not be able to have a medical in Manchester ahead of the October 5 transfer deadline.

City can request an extension from FIFA but are not guaranteed to be granted it.

Guardiola, whose side entertain Bournemouth tonight, has been monitoring Gimenez

7.45PM for months having seen City fail to strike a deal for Koulibaly.

City have a poor relationship with Napoli and were forced to ask Koulibaly’s agent to act as an intermediary.

But Napoli owner Aurelio Aure De Laurentiis L is holding h out for £ 75m for the Senegal star, with City valuing him h closer to £ 50m. 5

The stand- off has forced Guardiola to look at alternative options, including Gimenez and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

Guardiola is keen to strengthen his defence before the transfer window closes but has been frustrated in his efforts so far.

MAN CITY B’MOUTH