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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
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