Man City monitoring Chelsea defender ahead of potential swoop

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly keen on a reunion with Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto, with the London club now prepared to lower their financial demands.

The 46-year-old tactician left Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day to take charge of City, guiding them to seven wins in his first eight Premier League matches. So far, the only player to follow Maresca from London to the Etihad Stadium has been Enzo Fernández, who completed a move worth around £125 million.

Gusto's name was also heavily linked with a switch to Manchester. During the summer, the 23-year-old French defender was not considered untouchable at Chelsea, with the hierarchy open to selling had an offer met their hefty £75 million valuation at the time.

According to reports from TEAMtalk, Maresca continues to push for the French international, and Chelsea are now open to negotiations. The Etihad hierarchy believes a bid in the region of £50 million would be enough to seal an agreement. However, it remains uncertain whether the full-back would accept the move, given the looming threat of sanctions stemming from the 155 financial charges hanging over the champions.