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Transfer news: Manchester City plan swoop for Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez - reports

Real Madrid goalkeeper emerges as a target for Manchester City

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Diego Lopez, Joe Hart and Costel Pantilimon Getty Images

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is set to make an ambitious bid for Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper Diego Lopez in the summer, according to reports.

The 32-year-old was placed in the eye of a storm last year as former Madrid manager Jose Mourinho promoted him to the starting eleven ahead of Spanish No.1 Iker Casillas.

Carlo Ancelotti has since followed suit, starting the former Villarreal shot-stopper twenty times this season, and is unlikely to be willing to sell despite Lopez's age.

The Daily Mail report that City plan to offload Costel Pantilimon in the summer before relegating England's first-choice 'keeper Joe Hart to the bench in favour of the Madrid man.

Pellegrini's side are currently second in the Premier League table, a point behind leaders Arsenal, but have struggled to determine their preferred choice in goal.

Hart is currently in possession of the gloves going into the vital months before the World Cup in Brazil.

It is believed that Lopez, who has a contract in the Spanish capital which runs until June 2017, may also attract interest from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester City - January transfer targets

Manchester City - January transfer targets

  • 1/15 Blaise Matuidi

    PSG's powerful holding midfielder, has quietly become one of the most sought-after players in the world after a fine few years. Yet to agree a new contract with the Parisians, there is room to do a deal if City were to make a move.

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  • 2/15 Iker Casillas

    One of many keepers to be linked with a switch to Eastlands as Manuel Pellegrini tinkers in the goalkeeping department. After Jose Mourinho dropped him during his final season in charge, Casillas has struggled to hold down a regular slot in the Madrid side.

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  • 3/15 Mats Hummels

    While expensive, Hummels would be an excellent buy for anyone with serious ambitions of Champions League success. A regular for Borussia Dortmund last year as they reached the Champions League final, he's the sort of personality which is always welcome at the training ground.

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  • 4/15 Eliaquim Mangala

    A firm centre-back, an area desperately in need of strengthening, Mangala would be a surprise move but one worth taking. When Vincent Kompany is injured, City feel the effects and tend to fall down the league as a result.

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  • 5/15 Daniele De Rossi

    Has long been linked with Man City, ever since Roberto Mancini's time in charge, but remains a viable target for the 2012 champions. After turning down rivals Man Utd in the summer, the Italian has enjoyed a wonderful year but could consider a switch in his twilight years.

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  • 6/15 Sami Khedira

    Would be an astute buy for any Premier League side but would command a fee similar to that which Arsenal paid for Mesut Ozil. After suffering a long-term injury this autumn, he'd more more likely to join in the summer.

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  • 7/15 Saido Berahino

    Berahino may not be an obvious choice but his talent, added to his goal at Old Trafford this season, could easily endear him to the City faithful. Having just signed a new deal with West Brom, he may have to be a long-term target.

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  • 8/15 Julian Draxler

    Draxler remains one of the brightest lights of European football and will surely move to a club the size of Manchester City sooner rather than later. Despite not impressing against English opposition, his talents have alerted City's Premier League rivals this term.

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  • 9/15 Andres Iniesta

    The Spaniard is another option after rumours surfaced that the midfielder would entertain a move away from Spain. While it would take something special to prize the renowned Catalan away from Barca, many European clubs are on red alert.

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  • 10/15 Toby Alderweireld

    Very nearly joined Liverpool last summer but opted to move to Atletico Madrid instead. While the Spanish side may be challenging for the La Liga title today, he may be tempted by a move to England in the near future.

  • 11/15 Angel Di Maria

    Difficult to deal with at the best of times, Di Maria could be a real asset down the flanks. Having managed the Argentine at Real Madrid, Pellegrini is all too aware of the winger's qualities.

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  • 12/15 Ezequiel Garay

    Was on the verge of joining Manchester United last year before, as he says, David Moyes pulled the plug. Has a point to prove. The former Everton boss may be regretting his decision but it could get even worse if City were to sign the Benfica star.

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  • 13/15 Alexis Sanchez

    One of many Barcelona players who could grow unhappy with the lack of first team opportunities - much like Yaya Toure. While he is undoubtedly a quality player, Barca have an embarrassment of riches at the Nou Camp.

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  • 14/15 Asmir Begovic

    The Stoke keeper's performances have been as impressive - a move must surely follow sooner or later. Linked with City two years ago, the Bosnian shot stopper would be excellent cover.

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  • 15/15 Pepe

    Real Madrid's Portuguese defender is finding options limited in Spain and could fancy a switch to Eastlands. Like Di Maria, he is another player who City's Chilean boss knows well.

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