Manchester City are tracking their loan star Yangel Herrera in order to bring him into their first team next season.
The 23-year-old is currently in Granada and will face his mother club’s bitter rivals Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Herrera was picked up by Premier League champions in 2017 from Atletico Venezuela and has been sent out on loan to New York City FC, SD Huesca and most recently Granada, but is not yet under Pep Guardiola.
Herrera in action against Barcelona | JORGE GUERRERO / Getty Images
The goal report City, however, may be looking for a new defensive midfielder at the end of the season with the future of long-term servant Fernandinho that will not yet be decided. Guardiola may not have the money to splash out on a new central midfielder due to the coronavirus pandemic, so getting Herrera this week would help the club cut costs.
His two-year loan spell at Granada ends this summer and it is claimed that Premier League clubs Southampton, West Ham and a number of La Liga clubs are interested in securing his services.
The Europa League match against United represents an opportunity for Herrera to convince his parent club that he can be useful to them next season or, if not, put him in the shop window ahead of the summer.
Herrera spent some time on loan at New York City FC under former Man City midfielder Patrick Vieira | Shaun Clark / Getty Images
Herrera previously worked under Premier League legend Patrick Vieira during his time in charge of New York City FC and the Frenchman was full of praise for the midfielder, calling him a ‘tactically intelligent midfielder’ and emphasizing his strength in tackling.
Earlier this week, Man City reported a loss of £ 126 million for the 2019/20 season, making the opportunity to look more appealing than a massive expense. If it does not succeed, an impressive display over the two legs can lead to City selling Herrera and adding the money to its existing transfer budget.
