Man City looking to 'ruin' Real Madrid transfer as price tag 'set for defender'

Manchester City are reportedly looking to ruin Real Madrid's bid to sign River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono.

The 16-year-old attacking midfielder is already earning quite a reputation for himself in Argentina and has made 18 appearances already for the senior team so far this season. River Plate are so confident about his potential that they have inserted a £45m release clause in Mastantuono's contract.

Such a figure is not thought to have deterred Real who, according to Spanish media outlet SPORT, have already agreed personal terms with the teenager and negotiations have been spearheaded by their head of scouting Juni Calafat. However, City are believed to be interested in a last-ditch attempt to sign the midfielder and 'blow up' Real's hopes of signing the promising teen.

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City are believed to be hoping to play on their past dealings with River Plate to try and secure a deal. Striker Julian Alvarez joined from the world-renowned club while more recently Claudio Echeverri joined City from the Argentinians at the beginning of the year. Elsewhere, City have reportedly set their price to allow full-back Sergio Gomez to leave the club.

Gomez's stint at the Etihad Stadium has not worked out and the defender looks unlikely to break into the starting line-up any time soon. This has led to Real Sociedad reportedly showing interest after they discovered they would not be able to re-sign Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney this summer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blues want a bid of €15m (£12m) to allow Gomez to depart. It is understood the La Liga club are not willing to pay that amount and shall instead look at other ways to secure Gomez's services.