Manchester City are said to be in pole position to sign highly rated Benfica winger Angel Di Maria, who was recently tipped to become Argentina’s next superstar by coach Diego Maradona.
Chelsea were also rumoured to be interested in securing Di Maria but the London club baulked at Benfica’s £36 million valuation of the winger, with the Premier League side hoping for a fee around £15 million.
City are hoping to sign the winger next summer, possibly after selling on Brazilian striker Robinho, however the former Portuguese champions are hoping for a quicker deal in January due to a lower buy-out clause in Di Maria’s contract which kicks in over the summer.
Chelsea are now believed to be focusing on the signing of Atletico Madrid superstar Sergio Aguero, as well as Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. Talks are said to be progressing well with Aguero, although the London club are insisting the Argentinian lowers his wage demand and that his agent accepts a lower fee.
[Source: Daily Telegraph]
