Manchester City have expressed concrete interest in signing young Toulouse defender Issa Diop but face real competition for his services, SportWitness attributes French outlet Le 10 Sport as stating.

What's the word?

With a defence that has failed to impress this season, Pep Guardiola is set to dip into the transfer market for a defender once again this summer and holds concrete interest in Toulouse's 20-year-old ace Issa Diop.

However, the Citizens may find it difficult to secure a deal as it's stated Juventus, Barcelona, Porto and Real Madrid are all keen. With Dip also signing a new deal only last summer, Guardiola's side would also have to pay a high price to convince Toulouse to sell.

Toulouse may not be able to hold onto the French U21 international in the long-term though, as the side that narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season now sit mid-table but look a long way off being able to offer European football.

Right move for City?

It's clear Manchester City need to bolster their defence but, with young John Stones already in defence, they may need a more experienced option that Issa Diop. Whilst his compatriot and another Citizens target Aymeric Laporte is also young, he has vast experience across European football.

If Diop did come in, it's debatable whether he would play regular football at the Etihad Stadium and there may well be better options out there, especially with Toulouse's demands likely to be high as Diop has three-and-a-half years remaining on his deal.

The youngster would be a good signing but definitely shouldn't be the priority.

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