Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly cooled his interest in Tottenham Hotspur and England golden boy Dele Alli.
The former Barcelona manager is keen on reducing the average age of players at the Etihad. He chased out five senior players above 30, adding talented younger stars.
Guardiola had named Alli, Danny Rose and Kyle Walker as three Spurs stars he wanted. Of the three, Walker was the most attainable. With Spurs chair Daniel Levy having strong negotiation skill; it would have cost city a football record to sign the youngster.
Alli is one of the coveted young players in Europe. His performance in the Premier League last term was highly commendable. He scored on big occasions and impressed against the small teams.
With 24-year old Romelu Lukaku costing the Red Devils £75 million with add-ons taking it to £90 million, imagine how much Levy would have demanded for Alli, especially if Man United broke the world record for Paul Pogba. At least £100 million would have been the transfer cost.
If a side like Monaco would let its teenage star Kylian Mbappe go, it would cost a similar amount. With Levy around, Alli would not cost anything below such range. City want Mbappe but the £100+ million valuation is a stumbling block, especially after the huge sums the former Bayern Munich coach has expended.
City have signed Walker for around £50 million despite being 27 years. Guardiola has reported cooled his interest in Alli and Rose. Benjamin Mendy is set to join for £50 million while a Ryan Bertrand deal is also in the shadows.
Guardiola still wants a top centre half to compete with Vincent Kompany. Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk was the rumoured option but that deal has so much uncertainty for now.
With all the additions, Guardiola better be ready to win the Champions League and the Premier League.