Manchester City have made Chelsea fullback Malo Gusto a top priority as they look to strengthen the right side of their defence ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Reports emerging from France today indicate that the 23-year-old defender has already given positive signals to City and agreed to the move in principle.
Gusto was a firm favourite of Enzo Maresca during his tenure at Chelsea, appearing 72 times under the Italian tactician over an 18-month period.
With Maresca widely-tipped to take the reins at the Etihad Stadium following the departure of Pep Guardiola, a reunion in Manchester appears highly logical for all parties.
However, a final agreement between the two Premier League clubs is far from complete.
Chelsea have slapped a stiff £75m price tag on the international defender, a figure that Manchester City are currently reluctant to meet.
The Blues are navigating a major squad transformation under newly-appointed head coach Xabi Alonso and have already secured a deal to sign right-sided defender Marco Palestra as a direct replacement.
With club captain Reece James and rising star Josh Acheampong also available to Alonso, Chelsea are open to parting with Gusto if their financial demands are satisfied.
Negotiations are expected to intensify over the next 48 hours as City attempt to lower the asking price.