Man City transfer news: Pep Guardiola's side 'verbally agree' deal to sign key target 'immediately' with medical scheduled

The Citizens have been planning to bolster Pep Guardiola's small squad with defensive reinforcement in the January transfer window, with 18-year-old Reis emerging as one of their top targets.

Last Friday, it was reported that Man City have had an offer of €40m (£33.5m) plus add-ons accepted by Lens for 20-year-old centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, who is soon expected to undergo a medical.

The reigning Premier League champions have also submitted an offer for highly-rated Brazilian Reis, as confirmed by Palmeiras president Leila Pereira.

Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, Pereira said: "There was an official proposal from Manchester City but we're still negotiating. I will not talk about the amount, but there was a proposal that did not reach what Palmeiras wants.

Man City agree deal to sign defender Reis from Palmeiras

"It's also important to clarify Vitor Reis was not for sale, we didn't put him on the market. We were approached by Man City due to the boy being different.

"I'm not in a hurry, Vitor still has a long contract. We're talking and if we reach a value that's good for Palmeiras, for the athlete and for Manchester, OK. But for now, nothing has been decided."

Man City were alleged to have failed with an opening offer for Reis, who was valued by Palmeiras at around €40m (£33.5m).

However, journalist Fabrizio Romano now claims that a verbal agreement has been reached between both clubs for Reis to complete a transfer to the Etihad Stadium.

Romano states that Man City have agreed a package under €40m to sign Reis and they are determined to bring the youngster in 'immediately'.

Described by Romano earlier this month as a 'key target' for Man City, Reis is now set to undergo a medical and sign his contract as soon as both clubs complete the necessary documents for the transfer to go through.

Who is Man City-bound Vitor Reis?

Sao Paulo-born starlet Reis began his career at the R10 Academy in Paraiba, which was set up by former Brazil and Man City winger Robinho, before moving to Palmeiras in 2016 at the age of 10.

The teenager established himself as a key player at academy level and was later rewarded with his first professional contract at the end of the 2022 campaign.

Reis had to wait until June 2024 to make his senior debut for Palmeiras and has since made a total 22 first-team appearances across all competitions, including 16 Brasileiro starts.

The Brazil Under-17s international was named by The Guardian as one of the best players globally to be born in 2006, along with the likes of Real Madrid star and former Palmeiras teammate Endrick.

Reis was also wanted by Brighton & Hove Albion this month, but they have since pulled out of the race for his signature, giving Man City a clear path to secure the services of one of South America's brightest prospects.

Written by

Oliver Thomas