River Plate star dubbed ‘new Sergio Aguero’ to snub Real Madrid for Man City

Manchester City are closing in on the £16m signing of Argentine hitman Julian Alvarez, after Manchester United decided not to pursue a deal.

The Premier League champions are leading the race to land the River Plate star ahead of European giants Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Etihad bosses have held talks with Alvarez's representatives and are confident of agreeing a deal before this month's transfer window closes.

Alvarez, 21, has let it be known that joining Pep Guardiola's men is his preferred option. He has a release clause of £15.1m, but the whole deal, including commissions, is expected to be closer to £16m.

City's bitter rivals and neighbours United were offered the chance to sign Alvarez earlier this month but decided not to.

Álvarez, who has won five international caps, was the top scorer in the Argentinian top flight last year with 20 goals in 35 games, to emerge as one of the most sought-after forwards in South America.

If City complete the deal, Alvarez is expected to be sent out on-loan to another club in Europe until the end of this season.

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Guardiola does not see Alvarez as an alternative option to Erling Haaland, who remains the Spaniard's No.1 summer target.

Haaland, 21, favours a move to Real from Borussia Dortmund at the end of this season in the hope of linking up with Paris Saint German ace Kylian Mbappe, who is expected to join the Spanish giants.

But Guardiola is refusing to give up on Haaland and knows he has the financial muscle to offer him a more lucrative contract at the Etihad.

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