Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Transfer news: Manchester City set to rival Manchester United for Dante signature - reports

Two Manchester clubs go head-to-head over a deal for Brazilian star

Thursday 23 January 2014 11:23 GMT

Manchester City set to rival Manchester United for Dante signature (Getty Images)

Manchester City will reportedly make a bid for Bayern Munich centre-back Dante - also a target for rivals United - if Joleon Lescott leaves Eastlands this month.

Manuel Pellegrini's side are looking strong and all fronts and have serious ambitions to win an unprecedented quadruple.

The Manchester Evening News report that, should Lescott leave for West Ham United as expected, City will look to either Dante or Porto star Eliaquim Mangala.

The 22-year-old is said to welcome their interest but the Portuguese club are holding out for an inflated fee.

A more realistic target is Bayern's 30-year-old Brazilian after he impressed against Pellegrini side in the Champions League group stages.

It may prove troublesome, however, after Dante seemingly admitted to being flattered by United's interest in him.

"I'm thankful for the Manchester United interest, it will all be sorted out by the end of the month," he is quoted as saying.

He was an integral part of the Germans' squad as they won the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the European Cup last season.

With the Old Trafford club set to announce a £37m deal for Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata, the momentum could lean towards them in the pursuit of Dante - forcing City to return for Mangala.

Manchester City - January transfer targets

Show all 15

1/15Manchester City - January transfer targets

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

GETTY IMAGES

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

GETTY IMAGES

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

Getty ImagesGetty Images

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

GETTY IMAGES

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

GETTY IMAGES

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

Getty Images

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

GETTY IMAGES

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

GETTY IMAGES

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

GETTY IMAGES

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

Getty Images

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

GETTY IMAGES

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

GETTY IMAGES

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

GETTY IMAGES

Manchester City - January transfer targets

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.

Getty images

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies