Man City scouts urging Pep to sign Aleksandar Pavlovic; they think he’s their next Rodri

Manchester City‘s scouts have reportedly sent rave reviews about one Bayern Munich star who they have compared to Rodri.

Enzo Maresca responds to Man City “speculation”

Dropping a midweek bombshell, The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed on Thursday afternoon that Man City have their sights set on Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca as part of a Pep Guardiola contingency plan.

The Citizens are reportedly fearful that their iconic manager could take his leave at the end of the season, one year before his current contract comes to an end. As such, they’ve turned the way of his former assistant, Maresca.

The Chelsea boss hasn’t hesitated to put the rumours down to speculation, however, and reaffirmed his loyalty to those at Stamford Bridge – telling reporters: “It doesn’t affect me. It’s 100 per cent speculation.

“There is no time for this kind of thing. I have a contract here until 2029. My focus is just about this club. I’m very proud to be here. It’s speculation.

“One week ago was the same thing with Juventus. I don’t pay attention because I know it’s not true. It’s important to understand the reason why this news was there. It’s not my job, I don’t care at all. The players are focused on Newcastle.”

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Whether Man City will test Maresca’s resolve in the summer depends on the future of Guardiola. In an ideal world for those in Manchester, the Spaniard will see out the rest of his contract at the Etihad.

The Citizens may be hoping that one more full season and one more summer, which could feature his next Rodri, will be enough to tempt their manager into staying put.

Man City scouts want to sign Pavlovic

According to TeamTalk, Man City scouts have been raving about Aleksandar Pavlovic and have spotted close comparisons with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

The 21-year-old is gradually beginning to make his mark under Vincent Kompany and has attracted interest from Man City and Chelsea as a result. It’s a win-win situation for Maresca, given that his current club and potential future club are chasing such a talented young star, but it remains to be seen whether Pavlovic would be willing to leave Bayern.

It should come as no surprise that City have sent their scouts to watch one of the most promising defensive midfielders in Europe, either. As much as Rodri is undoubtedly world-class, there will be concerns that he’s still yet to reach full fitness after suffering an ACL injury last season.

In his absence, Nico Gonzalez has done more than an admirable job, but City’s long-term plan should centre around prying Pavlovic away from Bayern Munich.

Dubbed “phenomenal” by scout Jacek Kulig, all it takes is one look at Pavlovic’s ability to progress play to realise where the Rodri comparisons are coming from. In possession, the 21-year-old could turn Man City into title winners once again.