City ready to listen to offers
Rico Lewis might have played his last game for Manchester City. The 21-year-old defender is being tracked by Nottingham Forest, who have been sniffing around for the best part of a year now, and there's a growing sense that City would be willing to let him go if the price is right.
Lewis came close to joining Forest last summer but ended up staying put and signing a new five-year deal back in September. That contract hasn't exactly translated into game time, though. He made just 11 Premier League appearances in Pep Guardiola's final season, starting only four of those. Across all competitions, he managed 23 appearances and five goal contributions — not terrible, but hardly the kind of numbers that make you indispensable.
Now Enzo Maresca is having a proper look at his squad, and nobody seems entirely sure where Lewis fits. The lad can play right-back or in midfield, which is useful, but versatility only gets you so far when you're not starting league games.
“I don't think City are actively pushing Rico Lewis out the exit door as well, but I think they would be prepared to maybe facilitate a deal if a suitable offer was to arrive.”
That's according to sources close to the situation, who also note that Forest have been laying the groundwork for a potential move. Their interest hasn't cooled despite their own managerial change, with Oliver Glasner expected to take over. Apparently, Lewis was mentioned in negotiations for Elliot Anderson at one point, but any deal for the City youngster would now be handled separately.
If Lewis does become available, there won't be a shortage of takers. He's young, English, and can do a job in more than one position. That's a rare combination.
City, meanwhile, have been linked with Chelsea's Malo Gusto as Maresca eyes a reunion. Chelsea want £75m, but City are only willing to go to £45m. If that deal happens, it would push Lewis even further down the pecking order, which only helps Forest's chances.
It feels like something has to give.