Manchester City are eyeing a potential January-deal for Brazilian Juventus left-back Alex Sandro, according to a report in theMirror on Sunday.
The 25-year-old looks set to enter new contract negotiations with the Old Lady, but City are ready to strike fast while his release clause remains at£25.6m.
A new deal would see the Brazilian's release clause upped to£40m, which although isn't out of range for City, it may make them reevaluate a deal and re-pursue it in the summer.
This isn't the first time Pep Guardiola's side have gone in for Sandro, as they also tracked him while he was at Porto, placing bids before he eventually signed for Juventus in 2015.
But now City have upped the chase by sending scouts to Turin to examine Sandro's ability on more than one occasion this season.
Left and right-sided full-backs are one of the biggest issues facing Pep Guardiola at the moment, with the ageingKolarov and Gael Clichy on the left while veteran defenders Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna take up the right.
All four fullbacks are into their 30's and are considered by many to be past their peak, leaving a prime spot for Alex Sandro to take up if City go ahead with a deal.
City are closing in on a £25.6m move for Juventus left-back Alex Sandro (25) but want it done before he can negotiate a new deal. [Mirror] pic.twitter.com/aMu50AkrqJ
Kolarov and Sagna earned the nod on Saturday as they started in City's 2-1 win away at Crystal Palace.
The win leave Guardiola's side joint-top of the Premier League with Liverpool after 12 games, still five points above local-rivals Manchester United, who drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Old Trafford.