Manchester City are accelerating their efforts to win the race for the highly-rated Stade Rennais forward Jeremy Doku.
Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the Premier League title holders are looking to strike an agreement over a deal worth around €60 million.
The Cityzens are reportedly in advance negotiations with their French counterparts, and there is growing optimism that a deal can be arranged.
Doku has already given Man City the green light to pursue a deal as he is eager to join the European champions.
However, the treble winners are not alone in the race to sign the exciting winger as they face competition from West Ham United.
Doku is set to head to the Premier League this summer, but his destination remains unknown, with prospective suitors going head-to-head for his signature.
West Ham have also submitted an official proposal to Rennes, but the French club will only sanction a deal for their prized jewel to the highest bidder.
Doku’s imminent departure from Roazhon Park will see Rennes pocket a club record fee, smashing the €35m they received from West Ham for Nayef Aguerd just last summer.
The Hammers will hope their cordial relationship with the Ligue 1 high flyers would tilt the tide in their favour, but they need to match Man City’s offer to stand a chance.
The Europa Conference League winners also hope they can lure Doku to London with the promise of regular first-team football, but Man City remain in the lead for the dazzling youngster.
Doku emerged as a target for Man City following Riyad Mahrez’s departure to the Saudi Pro League, with the Belgian seen as an ideal replacement.
They have also reached out to Bayer Leverkusen to enquire about the conditions required to strike a deal for the hugely impressive Florian Wirtz.
The 20-year-old is seen as a replacement for the injured Kevin De Bruyne. But with four years left on his contract, Man City will have to part ways with a hefty fee to get a deal over the line.
