Manchester City Transfer News: Ajax midfielder chooses French club amid interest from Man City and Barcelona; City decides on Real Madrid's Isco and more - January 17, 2019

Hello and welcome to the Manchester City Transfer corner.

The transfer window is into its third week, and several big name players are linked with the club from the blue side of Manchester. And although Pep Guardiola has stated that Man City won't be making any signings in January, it hasn't stopped the rumors surrounding the Premier League Champions.

Hence, without much ado, let's look at what's today's edition of transfer news has in store for us.

---

#4 Marcelo Bielsa rules out selling of Jack Clarke

Clarke has impressed this season.

According to the Sun, Leeds United boss, Marcelo Bielsa has ruled out selling of youngster, Jack Clarke at any price. The 18-year-old has been a subject of interest for many Premier League clubs, with Manchester City touted to be the favorites to land the Englishman.

Clarke has impressed for Leeds this season, putting in a series of consistent performances, including a stunning display in a 2-0 win over fellow Championship side, Derby. The manager is confident that Clarke could play Premier League with Leeds next season and the player himself has expressed his desire to stay with the Whites, saying,

I am happy at Leeds.

It is massive every time I play. All I want to do is make an impact and make a difference.

England manager, Gareth Southgate and under-21 coach, Aidy Boothroyd are also monitoring the youngster.

#3 Man City target, Frenkie De Jong reaches an agreement with PSG

De Jong is heading to France.

In a significant blow to Pep Guardiola and Manchester City's pursuit of a central defensive midfielder, the Sun reports that Ajax star, Frenkie De Jong has reached an agreement over a £67 million switch to Paris-Saint Germain. The 21-year-old was previously reported to be joining Barcelona, but in a dramatic turn of events, the French champions are now close to signing the midfielder.

In a recent interview with the Guardian, De Jong revealed -

"It's difficult to say what will happen. I want to finish this season well with Ajax. Then we will see.

"Maybe I'll stay for another year, maybe I'll leave. I'm not sure.

A central midfielder is still a top priority for Pep Guardiola, but with De Jong moving to PSG, the Citizens would have to look elsewhere.

#2 Man City speedster is drawing interest from Bundesliga and Premier League clubs

Matondo could be the next youngster to leave Manchester City.

According to the Sport Witness, Manchester City youngster, Rabbi Matondo has drawn interest from Bundesliga clubs like Borussia Monchengladbach, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and 1899 Hoffenheim, after rejecting a new contract offer last week. It's believed that Premier clubs Everton and Southampton are also monitoring the situation of the 18-year-old.

Matondo is regarded as the fastest player in all of the Manchester City squad and is also referred to as a 'Pep-jewel.' The Welsh International is currently valued at €10m.

#1 Man City not interested in signing Isco

Isco is struggling for game time at Real Madrid.

The defending Premier League champions have expressed their disinterest in Real Madrid's Isco and prioritize a defensive midfielder instead.

The 26-year-old Spaniard performed exceedingly well under Zinedine Zidane but has fallen in the pecking order under the current boss, Santiago Solari. Isco is yet to start a game since the 5-1 defeat to Barcelona, with the new signing Diaz getting the nod ahead of him in the victory over Real Betis last time out.

Manchester City already has a rich list of attacking midfielders and don't want to add another in the same position. They would instead be looking to sign a holding midfielder who would be an ideal replacement for the 34-year-old Fernandinho.