Man City transfer latest with deal imminent after £33.5million capture as midfield hunt ramps up

Manchester City transfer news with Vitor Reis set to complete move, Omar Marmoush to follow and midfielders targeted

Manchester City are today expected to announce the signing of young defender Vitor Reis who will become the second signing of the January transfer window.

The Blues confirmed the £33.5million arrival of Abdukodir Khusanov on Monday night and fellow centre back Reis will follow him into the Etihad. The defensive duo will join Pep Guardiola’s squad for the second half of the season to bolster an area where City have suffered countless injuries.

Uzbekistan international Khusanov, 20, has joined the club on a four-and-a-half-year deal and speaking after his move to City was confirmed, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City, a club that I have enjoyed watching for a long time. This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can’t wait to meet them and play alongside them.”

Reis’ arrival will add further competition to the backline with both players also signed for the long-term given their respective ages. City are also in the final stages of concluding a £59m deal for Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush.

Txiki Begiristain has moved quickly to accelerate City’s plans in the January window. The problems in the existing squad caused by an injury crisis this season forced the club to act quicker than they would have liked in a winter market where they do not enjoy operating, but they have been decisive to bring in at least three players.

More could follow as City weigh up the possibility of signing a midfielder, while Kyle Walker could secure a move to AC Milan this month. However, the Blues will be satisfied with the speed at which they have been able to bring in defensive reinforcements that are also counted as long-term prospects for the future.