Manchester City handed boost in landing Serie A marksman

Manchester City have been handed a boost in signing Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic amid his reluctance to extend his stay.

The Serbia international was heavily linked with a move away from Florence this summer, but a deal never materialised.

La Viola were looking for a fee of around €100m, but none of the interested clubs were willing to meet the valuation.

The Cityzens were one of the teams linked with his services, and they are continuing to monitor his contract situation.

Vlahovic has less than two years remaining on his contract. La Viola want him to prolong his stay with a release clause inserted.

They are prepared to make Vlahovic their highest earner on €8m per season, but the striker has his sights on a fresh challenge.

The Cityzens failed in their pursuit of Harry Kane last summer, and they are unlikely to return for the Tottenham Hotspur star.

Vlahovic is one of the top players under consideration for the centre-forward role. They could make a mid-season move for him.

La Viola are likely to accept a lower transfer fee for the 21-year-old.