Man City eye Gibbs-White and Wirtz as replacements for departing De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne announced last week that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season after a ten-year tenure. With his contract expiring in June, the Belgian playmaker has decided not to renew his deal, leaving Guardiola's side to look for a successor for the upcoming campaign. 

According to 'The Athletic', Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Leverkusen gem Florian Wirtz have been targeted as two options to fill the void left by the 33-year-old. But among other external candidates, the Sky Blues are also assessing sticking with existing personnel like Phil Foden.

The same source reports that reigning Premier League champions are looking to avoid relying on the transfer window until new sporting director Hugo Viana, who is replacing Txiki Begiristain, gets past the transition phase and can get fully underway in his role.

Gibbs-White has enjoyed an impressive season, registering 5 goals and 9 assists in 27 games in the English top-flight as the Tricky Trees continue to push for a place in the Champions League. His performances have gained him his first England call-up in August under interim head coach Lee Carsley.

Meanwhile, Wirtz has risen onto the European stage after a spectacular 2023-24 season in which he won Bundesliga player of the season, lifting Leverkusen's first league title and the DFB-Pokal. But the 21-year-old has other giants chasing him, with Bayern Munich also reportedly interested.

Both players' contracts with their respective sides expire in 2027, but with the German side valuing Wirtz at around €150m, Man City could look to opt for the cheaper option and swoop in for the Nottingham Forest man.