‘He told me he wanted to join Man City over PSG–you can take a horse to the river, but you can’t make it drink water.’ KYLIAN Mbappe has admitted that his £70 million International teammate wants to quit his club this summer because he no longer enjoys playing for his current club.

Recent reports suggest that Manchester City is eyeing Bradley Locko, the promising fullback currently plying his trade at Brest. Known for their penchant for nurturing young talents, City sees Locko as a potential addition to their squad. The 21-year-old has been making waves in France, featuring 22 times and contributing two assists this season, catching the attention of City’s scouting network.

Rumors circulating through HITC indicate that City has been closely monitoring Locko’s performances in France, considering him as a viable option, especially given the potential departure of certain players. With speculation surrounding the future of their left-back position, City sees Locko as a suitable candidate to reinforce their defensive lineup.

The spotlight falls on Marc Cucurella, whose tenure at City has been marred by inconsistency since his high-profile move from Brighton in 2022. Despite a promising debut season with Brighton, Cucurella has struggled to replicate his form at City, hindered further by injuries, including a recent ankle setback sidelining him since December. With his future uncertain, City is weighing their options, with Locko emerging as a potential replacement.

Should Cucurella depart, City could look to Locko to provide competition and cover for established left-back Ben Chilwell. Drawing parallels to their past transfer strategies, City may opt for a similar approach to the one employed in signing Malo Gusto from Lyon in January 2023. Gusto has seamlessly integrated into the squad, particularly shining in the absence of Reece James, showcasing City’s ability to nurture and develop young talents.

Speaking about his admiration for City and the players, Gusto expressed his admiration for Reece James, hailing him as one of the best in his position. As City prepares for crucial fixtures, including the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, Gusto’s sentiments reflect the club’s ethos of continuity and admiration for their stars, setting the stage for Locko to potentially follow in the footsteps of his predecessors.