Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola plotting £50m bid for Barcelona star Sergio Busquets

PEP GUARDIOLA is planning a shock swoop for Barcelona ace Sergio Busquets.

The Citizens are preparing a replacement for Yaya Toure - who is expected to leave the club in June 2018.

Busquets joined the Barcelona youth ranks in 2005, before Guardiola handed him his senior debut in 2008.

The pair enjoyed incredible success together at the Nou Camp during Guardiola's five-year spell in charge - winning 14 trophies.

And the City boss is now allegedly willing to fork out £50m to secure his services, according to the

Guardiola indicated his interest in the midfielder earlier this year, but the move failed to materialise.

Following an injury crisis at the Nou Camp, the Spanish star has been labelled as an emergency option in defence.

The boss is desperate to strengthen his squad in January as he looks to dominate European football with City.

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He has met with the club's board to discuss his transfer targets, and he has reportedly convinced them to hand him the funds in January.

Guardiola is also preparing a January swoop for Virgil van Dijk, despite their unsuccessful attempt earlier this year.

Alexis Sanchez is another top target for the Citizens, but they are at risk of the move collapsing if they wait until next summer.

But the Arsenal ace will be out of contract at the Emirates next year and available to leave on a free transfer.