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As reported by ESPN, Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez, who Pep Guardiola sees as a long-term replacement for the ageing Fernandinho at the Etihad Stadium.

What's the word, then?

Well, it's no secret that Guardiola has been keen to find a replacement for the 33-year-old Brazilian international. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has seen pursuits for Jorginho, Fred and Frenkie de Jong collapse after they ended up at Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona respectively.

Fernandinho's huge importance to the City side was evident when he missed part of the festive period with an injury, a time which saw the Citizens lose to both Crystal Palace and Leicester City in the space of four days.

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He is the only player of his kind at the club, in truth, and Guardiola appears desperate to find the heir to his throne.

Saul Niguez may not be the answer

Whilst the Spanish international is undoubtedly an excellent player, he may not be what Guardiola is looking for in his hunt for Fernandinho's replacement.

In fairness to the 24-year-old, he does average around 2.6 tackles per game, whereas Fernandinho manages just 2.1 in comparison.

Their interceptions stats aren't too dissimilar - Saul manages 1.2, whilst Fernandinho makes 1.5 - although there are other circumstances that place question marks around the Atletico Madrid man's suitability for the role.

Fernandinho is renowned for his ability to win the ball and play it simply to the more forward-thinking players in the City team whilst rarely losing possession, whereas Saul appears to be more of a risk taker judging by his passing and dribbling statistics - he averages 1 dribble per game, and has a passing success rate over 10% lower than Fernandinho's.

You may argue that if anyone can coach the necessary traits into Saul, Guardiola can. However, reports of a bust-up with boss Diego Simeone at Atletico suggest that Saul is a fairly rebellious character not receptive to much constructive feedback - all the early signs suggest that the Spaniard isn't the answer.