Report: Manchester City striker target Dusan Vlahovic decides preferred transfer destination, deal could happen in January

Manchester City have reportedly been dealt a blow in the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic, with Juventus in the strongest position to clinch the transfer of in-form Fiorentina striker.

The 21-year-old highly rated striker has been closely linked with a move to the Etihad in recent weeks as they continue to search for a new goalscorer.

Having failed to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer, Vlahovic has been regarded as a realistic alternative ahead of 2022.

The Serbian forward scored a hat-trick in La Viola’s 3-0 win over Spezia on Sunday, but he could leave the Stadio Artemio Franchi in January, and it seems that Juventus would be his preferred destination, according to Tuttosport.

The report suggests that Vlahovic has admirers in England as well, but that Juve perhaps seem the most convinced about trying to invest in his talents once the transfer window opens in January.

This could be a blow for Manchester City, who have been among the Premier League clubs to be the subject of transfer rumours involving Vlahovic.

A deal would become possible if Juventus are able to part ways with Aaron Ramsey, one of the biggest earners at the club, during the January transfer window.

A move in January cannot be ruled out as Fiorentina looks to maximise profit on a player they signed for next to nothing back in 2018. He refused to sign a new €4m-a-year deal despite his current €800,000 salary.

It would be a shame not to see Vlahovic coming to England as he approaches his prime, with the young forward clearly looking like having a great career ahead of him.