Valencia have identified Vitor Reis as one of two preferred options to strengthen their centre-back ranks this summer, though Manchester City are not currently considering letting the Brazilian leave.
The 20-year-old has been the subject of growing speculation throughout the window, with his composure on the ball and comfort playing out from the back making him an increasingly attractive option for clubs across Europe seeking that specific profile of defender.
According to reports in Spain, Valencia are searching specifically for a right-footed centre-back comfortable playing out from defence. The club's sporting director and staff are said to be in agreement over Reis and Real Madrid's Joan Martinez as their two leading candidates for the role.
That Reis finds himself mentioned alongside a player contracted to one of Spanish football's most prestigious clubs underlines the regard in which he is held within Spain, even if his game time at City has remained limited relative to more established options in the squad.
No formal approach yet
Valencia's pursuit is understood to be in its early stages, with no indication yet that a formal approach has been made to Manchester City. The report's specificity around the club's defensive requirements suggests genuine interest rather than speculative interest from a distance.
Manchester City's current position is that they are not considering letting Reis leave the Etihad Stadium at this stage, with Enzo Maresca said to be actively trying to keep the Brazilian as part of his squad heading into next season.
That stance reflects the value Maresca and director of football Hugo Viana are understood to place on Reis's long-term potential, with the 20-year-old viewed internally as a defender capable of growing into a key role rather than one whose immediate future lies away from Manchester City.
The report does acknowledge that the situation could change as the summer transfer window progresses, leaving open the possibility that Valencia's interest develops into something more concrete should circumstances shift in the coming weeks.
Whether Reis ultimately remains part of Maresca's plans or finds his path blocked by the broader competition for places in defence, his situation looks set to remain one of the more closely watched subplots of City's summer.