Manchester City have now formally entered the race to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus.
A surprisingly low £20m release clause has seen Europe’s biggest teams – such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid – courting the German international. However City boss Manuel Pellegrini remains confident that Reus will choose to join the Citizens ahead of any of their rivals.
Furthermore, Dortmund’s uncharacteristically poor start to the season has seen many of their biggest stars, including centre-half Mats Hummels, eyeing a move away from last year’s Bundesliga runners up.
Players of Reus’ quality will want to be playing in the Champions League, and with only four wins at the half way stage this season, it is a nigh on impossibility that Dortmund will qualify for club football’s most prestigious competition.
Manchester City are willing to make Reus one of their highest paid players, with a contract worth £200,000-a-week.
Robert Middleton: @robmid4