The Dutch international is being courted by a number of Europe’s big guns, including Man United.
But The Mail claim the Premier League champions are set to beat their local rivals, who they defeated 3-1 yesterday, to the signature of the 21-year-old.
De Jong is believed to be keen to work with Guardiola and would favour a move to join the Spaniard rather than across town at Old Trafford.
Both sides are also interested in the star’s Ajax team-mate Matthijs De Ligt, 21.
However the central defender is veering towards joining La Liga giants Barcelona instead.
City appear ready to splash the cash again on strengthening their squad over the coming months despite the possibility of several investigations.
The football authorities and potentially HM Revenue and Customs could look in to their finances.
FRED IN NEED United star Fred confiding in Man City rival over struggles
The Mail say HMRC will be “relentless in pursuing” anyone club or football figure that has avoided paying tax.
Uefa’s Club Financial Control Body look set to launch an investigation following last week’s revelations several commercial deals by City were funded by their owner Sheik Mansour, which would be a breach of Financial Fair Play rules.
Source: Read Full Article